Lille hosts Lyon this weekend as fourth meets second in arguably the biggest game of the 15th round in France’s Ligue 1. With PSG already 15 points clear, second and the prize of “best of the rest” may well be all that is left to fight for, and Lyon has a fantastic opportunity to prove itself as the second force in French football on Saturday.
- Lille has not won for four matches across all competitions.
- Lyon has won four of its last five league outings, drawing the other.
- Lille has won 10 of the last 26 meetings between these two teams.
Lyon must make good form count
Inconsistency blighted the early part of Lyon’s domestic campaign and allowed current champions PSG to build up an almost insurmountable lead. However, four wins in their last five has seen the club move up to second in the table, having won over half of their matches.
The defensive frailties could well still be an issue, though. The club is conceding at a rate of over a goal a game, an issue that must be ironed out over the winter months.
After an excellent start to the season, there have been signs over the last few weeks or so that Lille is having a slight wobble. They have lost three of their last four matches across all competitions and have slipped down to fourth, although they remain level on points with Montpellier in third.
Nevertheless, it is Lyon that comes into this key clash as the slight favorite to snatch the points. You can back the visitors to win on the road at +150, with Lille only slightly higher at +170 to win. A draw would appear to be the least likely outcome and is priced accordingly at +225.
Lyon to extend Lille suffering
However, recent form certainly points to a Lyon win, with Lille currently struggling to maintain its excellent early form as the season wears on, and Lyon – on paper, at least – has the technically superior side, which should be enough to seal victory here. It is never an easy task trying to predict exact outcomes – particularly in a match as close to call as this one – but a 2-0 win for the visitors comes in at +1200 and looks a promising bet in the circumstances.
That in turn would allow you to back UNDER 2.5 goals in the game, which is priced at +100, and a “No” to both teams scoring, which is at +120. You could increase those potential winnings further by applying combo bets, selecting multiple outcomes at higher odds.
For example, a combo bet of a Lyon win coupled with a “No” to both teams scoring is at the much higher price of +375, while an away victory and UNDER 2.5 goals in the game is higher still at +500. You may also bet on the total number of goals in the game, with UNDER two at +300, two or three at +100 and OVER three at +200.
Lyon likely to control proceedings
In games as potentially close as this one, it is not uncommon for the stronger side to try to control from the off. While they are on the road, that may well prove a tough task, but nevertheless we are still expecting Lyon to put their hosts to the sword.
You can therefore back Lyon to win to nil (without Lille scoring a goal) at +375. In addition, they are at +240 to score in both halves and +800 to win both halves – a feat they are more than capable of achieving.
In terms of goalscorers, Dutch playmaker Memphis Depay has looked a threat in recent weeks, and you can back him at +150 to net at any time during the game, while he is at +500 to score either the first or the last goal of the match. While Lille has surprised many onlookers over the Sportsbook months of the season, it looks like their tank is close to running on empty, and Lyon should take advantage of that.
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