Lille continue to wilt in frustrating comedown
2022/2023 Champions League hopefuls Lyon play hosts in Ligue 1 to current title holders Lille at the Groupama Stadium on Sunday night. OL are on an upward trajectory domestically after a thoroughly mediocre start to the campaign, whereas the visitors lie closer to the foot than the summit of the table. Read our preview here:
Leader of the Paq
Peter Bosz can only not count on the services of Rayan Cherki as his side seek to close the four point gap to the top quartet with a timely victory this weekend. Tottenham Hotspur 'misfit' Tanguy Ndombele has had an encouraging beginning to life in France's third largest city whilst on loan, complementing the existing structure in midfield with aplomb. He'll be tasked with giving support to creative force Lucas Paquetá. The Brazilian schemer hasn't had the output of late to match his star showings, but the home side look far stronger with him in the #10 role.
Sven's made of ice
Benjamin André is suspended after accumulating too many yellows in domestic competition, and the versatile hand in midfield will be a huge miss. LOSC should revert to a 4-4-2 after the formation was changed in midweek for their all-too predictable defeat in the last 16 first leg to Chelsea. Sven Botman continues to be coveted across the continent by more moneyed clubs, and is one of only a handful of individuals currently playing even close to the standards set last year.
Betting tips
The front two for Lille are a handful for any side in world football, but the midfield, especially without André, are too easy to play through and around. They have come unstuck badly in key games in Ligue 1 this term, and Lyon are looking upwards whilst their opponents continue a reversion back to mediocrity. Casumo have odds of 3.60 for a home win with both teams to score.
