Lille OSC vs Stade Reims Preview 02/01/2023

Lille OSC vs Stade Reims – 02/01/2023

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Lille and Reims are both in fine form ahead of Ligue 1 matchday 17. Les Dogues will start the round following back-to-back wins, while Reims are on a six-game unbeaten streak.

Reims are coming off a midweek 3-1 home win against Rennes. It was a surprise win, as Rennes went into the game in the top four. Reims’ victory has them in 10th place and 10 points off the top five.

One of the most exciting aspects of Reims is their manager, William Still, a 30-year-old English-Belgian ex-footballer. Still is only the caretaker manager of the club. However, since he took over in mid-October, Reims are unbeaten in Ligue 1.

Lille are also coming off a midweek win in Ligue 1. Les Dogues defeated Clermont Foot 2-0 away. It was Lille’s second straight win in Ligue 1 and they are now just one point off the top five.

Manager Paulo Fonseca has Les Dogues flying high in the French top flight. Lille picked up 13 points from the last 18 points on offer in the league. Lille outscored their last six opponents 11-5. Only PSG and Lens secured more points than Lille across the last six matches.

Reims took 12 points from the last six games and were nearly on par with Lille. The Red and White’s excellent form was courtesy of their strong defence. Reims allowed just three goals in their last six games. The attack tallied seven goals during that time.

Still needs to improve Reims’ away form. They have just one win from eight road games this season. However, five of their away matches ended as draws. Reims drew their last four matches in the league.

Lille are unbeaten in five straight home games. Four of those five games ended as wins and one as a draw. The home team is unbeaten in three straight head-to-head encounters between these sides.

Gabriel Gudmundsson is a doubt to play for Lille due to injury. He is the only fitness issue for Fonseca. Canadian international Jonathan David has nine goals this season to lead Lille in scoring.

Reims Tomas Foket is a doubt due to a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Folarin Balogun leads the team with 10 goals.

Both Lille and Reims are in form going into the game on Sunday. Lille and Reims should finish in a 1-1 draw at full-time. Reims drew their last five road games, and this should make six straight draws away from home.