Lille play host to Troyes on Sunday afternoon looking to extend their unbeaten record in Ligue 1 in six matches.
At a time when the home side sit in seventh position in the standings, Troyes occupy 13th spot, four points above the relegation zone.
Match preview
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Lille have been nothing short of inconsistent this campaign, frequently posting draws and defeats to end any momentum before it has really been generated.
However, Paulo Fonseca's side have now lost just once in the last nine matches, away at Lyon at the end of October, and they have come through their most recent five league fixtures without suffering defeat.
Three draws have been posted during that time, including away at relegation-threatened Brest last time out, but Lille remain just three points of fourth-placed Rennes.
Goals are proving to be an issue for this side, however, with just five strikes being netted in their last six games, fewer than they scored in the two matches preceding that run.
Although Lille possess one of the best defensive units in the division, Les Dogues require more if they want to remain in contention for the top five.
From Troyes' perspective, they make the trip to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy having prevailed in just one of their last 13 games in France's top flight.
Collecting six draws during that period has kept Troyes out of the bottom four, but the home defeat to Marseille last time out has left the club looking over their shoulder.
Troyes also have recent unhappy memories of this fixture having lost to Lille on away territory as recently as last weekend, that match taking place in the Coupe de France.
Recently-appointed boss Patrick Kisnorbo watched Jonathan David and Mohamed Bayo net in either half, but Troyes have generally been better on their travels this campaign, winning three of their nine league games.
Team News
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Barring any injury issues, Fonseca may be prepared to name the same Lille XI which started the draw versus Brest in midweek.
Timothy Weah is an alternative in the final third should Fonseca opt for fresh legs, as is Andre Gomes in the middle of the pitch.
Kisnorbo may feel more inclined to make changes to his Troyes side, with Yasser Larouci potentially returning at left-back.
Florian Tardieu is pushing for a chance in central midfield, while Ike Ugbo could be considered for an opportunity in attack.
Kisnorbo must also decide whether to hand a recall to defender Jackson Porozo, who has barely featured since representing Ecuador at the World Cup.
Lille possible starting lineup:
Chevalier; Diakite, Yoro, Djalo, Ismaily; Baleba, Andre; Ounas, A. Gomes, Cabella; David
Troyes possible starting lineup:
Lis; T. Balde, Salmier, Palmer-Brown, Larouci; Kouame, Chavalerin; Bruus, Lopes, M. Balde; Ugbo
We say: Lille 2-1 Troyes
Despite the difference in league positions, Lille have netted just one more goal than their opponents this season, something which may indicate that a close match could materialise. Nevertheless, we are still backing the home side to edge this game, potentially by the odd goal in three courtesy of their superior defensive record.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Darren Plant
