Lille play host to Brest on Friday evening looking to bounce back from last weekend's deflating 4-3 defeat at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.
At a time when the home side occupy sixth place in the Ligue 1 standings, Brest are 16th and one point above the relegation zone.
Match preview
© Reuters
While Lille's first campaign under Paulo Fonseca has been somewhat of a mixed bag, they have shown signs throughout that they are capable of beating any team in France's top flight.
That potential was again on show at the Parc des Princes on Sunday, Lille remarkably coming from two goals adrift to lead Paris Saint-Germain by a 3-2 scoreline with three minutes remaining.
However, Kylian Mbappe and a Lionel Messi free kick deep into stoppage time dramatically swung the game back in PSG's favour, leaving Lille to consider what could have been.
Although Les Dogues sit just two points adrift of fifth position, only two wins have been posted in their last six outings in all competitions, an exit from the Coupe de France also occurring during that time.
On a positive note, Lille head into this fixture with a home record of seven victories, three draws and two defeats, the exact opposite of Brest's efforts on their travels.
© Reuters
The visitors have gone five league matches without prevailing on unfamiliar territory, that success coming at the home of mid-table Clermont Foot.
Nevertheless, Eric Roy has guided his team to stalemates at Toulouse and Lyon since his arrival in January, something which will provide him with confidence ahead of this fixture.
Brest make the trip to the Stade Pierre Mauroy on the back of two consecutive defeats in Ligue 1, going down to Montpellier HSC and Monaco.
With just four triumphs from 24 games, Brest are now back in trouble, sitting just two points above second-bottom AC Ajaccio.
- W
- L
- D
- W
- W
- L
- L
- D
- W
- L
- W
- L
- D
- W
- D
- D
- L
- L
- L
- W
- D
- D
- L
- L
Team News
© Reuters
Jose Fonte is a major doubt for Lille after limping off in the 14th minute of the defeat at PSG, with 17-year-old Leny Yoro in line to deputise should the veteran not be passed fit.
Fonseca will also be forced into a change at right-back with Bafode Diakite serving a one-match ban for five yellow cards, and Gabriel Gudmundsson stands to deputise despite the opposite flank being his preference.
Barring any further selection issues, the remainder of the team could stay the same given the show of character in the capital.
Although Brest gave a solid account of themselves during a 2-1 reverse to Monaco, Roy is still expected to tinker with his team.
Hugo Magnetti is pushing for a recall in midfield, as is Achraf Dari who could replace Christophe Herelle in the middle of the backline.
However, Franck Honorat and Brendan Chardonnet may still miss out through injury.
Lille possible starting lineup:
Chevalier; Gudmundsson, Yoro, Djalo, Weah; Andre, And. Gomes; Bamba, Ang. Gomes, Cabella; David
Brest possible starting lineup:
Bizot; Lala, Dari, Brassier, Duverne; Elis, Camara, Lees-Melou, Belkebla, Castillo; Douaron
We say: Lille 2-0 Brest
Given the level of disappointment last weekend, it remains to be seen how Lille will react to having gone so close to causing the upset in Paris. Nevertheless, boasting a strong home record in comparison to Brest's poor efforts on the road, this should prove to be a comfortable evening for Fonseca's side.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.