FC Lorient vs ES Troyes AC

Lorient host Troyes on matchday two of the new Ligue 1 season, a meeting of two clubs fresh out of Ligue 2. Lorient survived their return to the top flight last term after winning the second-tier title, finishing a respectable ninth, while Troyes arrive as reigning Ligue 2 champions back in Ligue 1 after three years away. With the season just underway, both will see this as a chance to build early momentum rather than fight the drop again. Lorient's survival was built on Éli Junior Kroupi and breakout forward Pablo Pagis under coach Olivier Pantaloni, though the squad has since lost regular scorer Bamba Dieng. Troyes stormed to the Ligue 2 title behind top scorer Tawfik Bentayeb and playmaker Martin Adeline. The head-to-head is tight: Lorient hold a narrow edge with 10 wins from 22 meetings to Troyes' 7, and have also shaded the last dozen clashes 5-4. Our prediction: 2-1