Lille vs Strasbourg prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-02-11 14:00.
Despite the disappointment of being knocked out of the French Cup by Lyon on penalties in midweek, Lille must refocus if theyāre to continue some strong form in Ligue 1 having lost only once in their last nine such games (W4, D4). āI have great faith in my players,'' said coach Paulo Fonseca after Lilleās impressive 3-1 win at Rennes last weekend, a result which sees them sit just two points off the European places ahead of the round.
LOSC can attest to the saying that there's āno place like homeā, as they haven't been beaten at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium since August (W5, D3). Theyāll be confident they can keep that form going, especially against a Strasbourg side that have lost five of the previous six H2Hs at all venues (D1), bookended by a 3-0 loss in the reverse fixture.
Strasbourg make this trip after winning two of their previous four league outings (L2), capped off by a 2-0 home win against fellow relegation contenders Montpellier last time out. That contest did, however, highlight the recent disciplinary problems of coach Mathieu Le Scornetās men, as they received their second red card in three league outings, meaning Jean-Eudes Aholou will be suspended for this game.
Aholou's absence adds to a long injury list, although the return of second-top scorer Kevin Gameiro (G7) may give the visitors a boost. Ultimately, improving away performances could be the difference between relegation and safety for Strasbourg, and with only fellow strugglers Angers and Auxerre registering less than their nine points on the road in Ligue 1 so far (W2, D3, L5), there is plenty of work to be done.
Players to watch: Lille could rely on Jonathan David for a quick start as heās scored before half-time in seven of his eight goalscoring Ligue 1 matches in 2022/23, including the reverse H2H. Strasbourgās Habib Diallo was lightning himself last time out, scoring after just 13 seconds for the joint-second quickest goal in Ligue 1 since 2006/07, and could equal his goal tally from last season (11) with another strike here.
Hot stat: Lille (52%) and Strasbourg (64%) are two of four Ligue 1 sides that have conceded more goals before the break than after.