Lorient vs Lille Match preview

French Ligue 1: Lorient vs Lille

Home side have long finished the season, while an excellent finish saw the visitors come right behind fifth which will probably lead to UEFA Cup next season.

Midtable in spite of low efficiency

Interesting fact is that Lorient have scored only 31 goals, being the least efficient team apart from Metz, but nevertheless they still are firm in the midtable. Not for a single moment did they come close to the dangerous zone. This is thanks to excellent defense that have managed to remain unbeaten in even 16 matches this season. Defensive approach and combative spirit gave results. The only aim was to be as farther away from relegation zone as possible and wait for the finish without pressure. They had no greater ambitions and if they had a bit stronger bench, the squad would be fighting for a European spot next season.
Last week they won Metz away. This is only their third away win but they drew nine times away. Once again they defended during most of the match. They left the midfield to the rivals and attacked from counterattacks. They again showed great efficiency, scoring two goals from few chances. They have attackers that don’t need too many chances to get on the scoresheet and this enables them to play defensive.
They will start this match eager to mark a positive result for their fans. Bourhani, Morel and Vahirua are absent and won’t play in this match.

Fantastic spring

Lille have spent the whole season near the top, but they have never been closer to an UEFA Cup spot. This is perhaps because the teams that have the quality for fifth don’t want to complicate their situation with another competition next season. Still, we think that Lille completely deserved to get on fifth after excellent play this season, especially in the spring part. They suffered only two losses in 2008, both at home. In the last six matches they have taken 14 points and managed to leapfrog St. Etienne by winning Lens seven days ago.
They played a very good match where the rivals were also pretty good. It was an equal fight but home side had Frau on the bench who spiced up the attack and helped his side win.
Now they have a very nice opportunity to take over fifth place since they play against unmotivated hosts.
There are no new injuries so they can start playing offensive from the first whistle.

Betting Verdict

The visitors have more motives but home side wish to rejoice their fans. Two sides that play quite good so anything can happen in this match. We think that it is best to bet on small number of goals. Over the last few season these rivals have met in matches that always ended with one or without goals and Lorient have one of the best defenses this season. Lille definitely won’t attack with all they have from the start. They too will probably start a bit more careful so they can get the relaxed home side to open up and use their mistakes. We think under 2.5 goals is a safe choice.

Our tip: Bet 6 on Under 2.5 goals
Odds 1.6 at
Bookmaker: Gamebookers