By Content Editor
03 December 2021, 16:29 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
Match Preview Lille vs Troyes Ligue 1 Dec 4, 2021

The Ligue 1 fixture, Lille OSC vs. ES Troyes AC, kicks off at 19:00 (GMT+1) on Saturday, December 4, at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

Preview Lille Ligue 1, Dec 4, 2021

Preview The defending champions, Lille, earned three points in Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Rennes at the Stade de la Route de Lorient. Xeka (31’) tucked the ball away for the opener, one minute after the half-hour mark. Minutes later, at the stroke of half-time, Renato Sanches (45’) doubled Lille’s lead, having retrieved the ball before coming around for the shot aimed at the bottom corner. But Rennes would cut Lille’s lead down to one with five minutes left on the clock through Benjamin Bourigeaud (85’) to guarantee a nervy finish. The result saw LOSC return to winning ways after four games without a victory, LDDDW, as they moved one spot ahead on the table, from 13th to 12th place. Lille has amassed 21 points from 5W, 6D, and 5L, and despite the patchy form, Lille shouldn’t have any problems putting Troyes aside. A quick look at the numbers at both ends of the field leaves Lille with a goal ratio of 1.31 g.p.g. this season, having scored 21 goals in 16 Ligue 1 games. LOSC has conceded 23 goals and has a G.D. of -2. An average of 1.44 goals conceded per game. For a major portion of the season, Jocelyn Gourvennec has stuck with the 4—4—2 formation. On Wednesday, Renato Sanches replaced Burak Yilmaz at the attacking end of the starting line-up, playing alongside Ligue 1’s top scorer, Jonathan David (10 goals). The Portuguese midfielder is expected to keep his place in the starting line-up, while Burak Yilmaz could make another off-the-bench appearance. On availability, Léo Jardim (neck injury) remains doubtful for this fixture.

Preview Troyes Ligue 1, Dec 4, 2021

Preview ESTAC also returned to winning ways after three consecutive defeats, DLLLW, following the 2-0 win over Lorient during the week. Goals from Renaud Ripart (6’) and Rominigue Kouamé (34’) were enough to settle the duel of ninety minutes. The victory saw the club jump two steps higher on the Ligue 1 standings, from 17th to 15th place, having picked up 16 points from 4W, 4D, and 8L. Picking up a win over the current Ligue 1 champions appears to be a tall order, but Laurent Battles could be aiming for at least a point when Troyes visits the Stade Pierre-Mauroy. With an average of 0.94 goals scored per game, the club has 15 goals after 16 Ligue 1 games. On the other end, Troyes has conceded 23 goals (1.44 goals per match) so far this season and has a G.D. of -8. In this game against Lille, a 3—5—2 formation or its variant, a 3—5—1—1, may be seen, with Renaud Ripart in attack. Adil Rami remains doubtful, while Karim Azamoum (ACL injury) is ruled out.

340