20 September 2021, 09:55 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The French Ligue 1 fixture, Lille OSC vs. Stade de Reims, kicks off at 18:00 (GMT+1) on Wednesday, September 22 at the 50,186-capacity Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
Preview Lille Ligue 1, Sep 22, 2021
Preview Lille were favourites going into the game against RC Lens on Saturday, but the champions had their campaign dealt a huge blow by the spirited underdogs. A single goal from Przemyslaw Frankowski (74') separated both sides at fulltime after Lille failed to convert any of their two shots on target. We were coherent, just as we were a few days ago against Wolfsburg, Jocelyn Gourvennec said in his post-match interview after the narrow loss. The defeat was harsh as we hardly allowed them any chances, he added. Having just 5 points after six games: 1W, 2D, & 3L, the club will return after two consecutive defeats: LDWLL, while in the lower half of the table, in 15th place. Gourvennec must steer the club out of troubled waters as LOSC looks to restore their campaign back to a title-winning track. The crop appears to be motivated to turn the season around, but the numbers reveal the real problems. Lille averages slightly over 1 goal per game, and a quick analysis of the top three reveals a minimum of 2 goals per game is required to break into the top end of the table. Looking at their goal end, LOSC has conceded 12 goals (an average of 2 g.c.p.g) in six games, the second-highest in the league. And once again, the top-three have a maximum of 1 goal conceded per game. The candle appears to be burning at both ends for the 49-year-old, who must find a victory on Matchday 7. On Wednesday, he could line up the 4—4—2 formation with Yilmaz and Jonathan David in attack once again against Reims.
Preview Reims Ligue 1, Sep 22, 2021
Preview Stade de Reims picked up a point in Sunday's goalless draw against Lorient at the Stade Auguste-Delaune II on Matchday 6. The club failed to hit the back of the net despite stringing 388 passes together after having 42% of the ball and taking 10 shots with 2 on target. The draw leaves the club in 11th place on the Ligue 1 table, having picked up 7 points from 1W, 4D, & 1L while having the form: DDLWD. Les Rouges et Blancs have hit the back of the net six times in as many games this season and have also conceded as many goals. Manager Óscar García remains fully aware that Wednesday's game would be a fine window of opportunity to pick up at least a point against a struggling Lille side. The 48-year-old could utilize the 3—5—2 formation once again with the attacking duo of Mitchell van Bergen and Hugo Ekitike sharing the goal scoring responsibilities.