Lille vs Le Havre Preview: Team News & Prediction
by Alex Lawes ·
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Lille look set to be another strong team in Ligue 1 as the northerners now come up against Le Havre at Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Sunday.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / USA – beIN Sports
How to watch online: UK – Cannot be streamed / USA – beIN Sports Connect
Lille preview: Risk-taking Lille
Over the summer, Lille took the surprise decision to appoint Davide Ancelotti, the son of Carlo Ancelotti, and they have reaped some rewards early on with the hosts having performed well thus far.
They did, though, head into the prolonged international break on the back of a 2-1 defeat to previously winless Nice at the Allianz Riviera with a late consolation scored by Japan international striker Ayase Ueda for Lille.
Le Havre preview: Circling the drain
Le Havre have been involved in a relegation battle in each of their three seasons since returning to Ligue 1 and another dog fight is expected once again as they begin the weekend sitting rock-bottom with just two points collected in their five matches.
The only winless team in the division, Le Havre headed into the aforementioned break on the back of a 3-2 defeat to Toulouse in a topsy turvy game in which the 3-2 scoreline perhaps flattered Le Havre.
Lille team news: Nianzou a doubt
Former Sevilla centre-back Tanguy Nianzou is a fresh injury doubt for Lille this weekend, while former Rangers striker Hamza Igamane remains unavailable due to a knee injury.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Ozer; Santos, Ngoy, Alexsandro, Perraud; Andre, Bentaleb; Mbappe, Haraldsson, Onal; Ueda
Unavailable: Igamane (Injured)
Questionable: Nianzou (Injured)
Le Havre team news: Pembele remains a doubt
Former Sunderland man Timothee Pembele is working his way back to full fitness after a groin injury, while first-choice goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi remains among those still sidelined.
Predicted XI (3-4-3): Gallon; Sasso, Seko, Touba; Jelert, Ebonog, Richardson, Ouziad; Fofana, Maja, Samatta
Unavailable: Mpasi (Injured), Zagadou (Injured), Mambimbi (Injured)
Questionable: Pembele (Fitness)
Lille vs Le Havre prediction
Lille need to get back on track here. They will be expecting to cement themselves in the top three as they did last season, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. They do have the upcoming distraction of a clash with Arsenal in that competition in a few days. Le Havre are a poor team and are destined for another hard-fought battle and a comfortable home win is to be expected for this one.
Lille vs Le Havre tip: Lille to win -1 handicap
