Lille vs Lorient

Lille welcome Lorient to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Sunday with European ambitions firmly on the line. Fifth on 40 points, the hosts sit just three behind Marseille for a Champions League qualifying spot, and nothing less than three points will do. Bruno Genesio's men have hit form at the right time, winning three straight without conceding. Veteran striker Olivier Giroud has scored in his last two starts, while keeper Berke Özer has kept three consecutive clean sheets. Felix Correia adds creativity with five league assists this term. Newly promoted Lorient have exceeded expectations in tenth, but recent draws have stalled their momentum. Bamba Dieng, with six league goals, remains their biggest threat on the counter, though they'll be without the injured Pablo Pagis and Laurent Abergel. Lille's defensive solidity should prove too much for a Lorient side lacking sharpness. The reverse fixture finished 7-1, and while it won't be that lopsided, expect the hosts to control this one comfortably. Our prediction: 2-0