Troyes vs Lille prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-06-02 19:00.
Already consigned to playing in Ligue 2 next season, Troyes host Lille merely trying to salvage some pride in what has been a season to forget. A joint league-low four wins all season (D11, L22) undoubtedly explains why Troyes find themselves in the position they do and with no victory from their last 20 league outings, it’s fair to say they’ve gone down with a whimper.
Playing at home offers little by way inspiration either, as you’d have to go back to August for the last time Troyes won a game of Ligue 1 football at Stade de l'Aube (D10, L6 since). Even then, that win came against basement boys Angers, but the mere fact Troyes’ last outing saw them go down 2-1 against the same opponents should mean they’ll be glad to see the back of this nightmare campaign.
Lille are battling at the opposite end of the table and head into this final day clash with plenty still to play for. Heading into this season finale in fourth, Lille hold all the aces as far as the European spots go, and they travel to Troyes knowing a victory will secure them UEFA Europa League football next season irrespective of what Rennes and Monaco, both of whom are lurking dangerously a point behind.
A repeat of the thumping 5-1 win in the reverse fixture would certainly suit Lille, but given they’re winless in four prior visits to Troyes, history suggests this game may not be as straightforward. Lille would like to think they’re a different animal now thanks to their lofty league position, but their patchy travelling form has long since threatened to be their undoing, with one win from their last seven away league outings (D3, L3) uninspiring ahead of this crunch clash.
Players to watch: Recently linked with a Premier League move, this could be a Troyes farewell for Mama Baldé who has seen six of his last seven club goals come in losing causes. Another man who could be making one last appearance for his club, Lille’s Jonathan David has seen his last four goals arrive from the penalty spot.
Hot stat: Only already-relegated Ajaccio (four) have scored fewer first-half away league goals than Lille’s seven.