Prediction: 1-1
Tip: Under 2.5 goals |Mehmet Zeki Celik to be booked anytime
Key Points:
1. Lille has thrice dropped points in the last five home games in Ligue 1.
2. Saint Etienne has won only two out of their last five away games in Ligue 1.
3. With eight yellow cards, Lille’s Mehmet Zeki Celik is the third most booked player in Ligue 1.
The matchday 28 in Ligue 1 will begin with an intriguing clash between Lille and Saint Etienne. Both teams desperately need to end the season strongly to achieve their respective targets. Lille will be looking to make home advantage count against Saint Etienne on Friday.
It has been a disappointing campaign for Lille. After winning the Ligue 1 last season, they have struggled to mount a credible title defense this season. The drop in performances has been significant as Lille is in danger of missing out on European football for next season.
Meanwhile, Saint Etienne is involved in a tight relegation battle. With 11 games left in the season, Saint Etienne must win as many games as possible to survive in Ligue 1. A win away at Lille on Friday can set the tone for a strong end to the season for Saint Etienne.
Lille is currently seventh in the points table. Qualifying for the Champions League is an unrealistic target for them, but Europa League is still attainable. Jocelyn Gourvennec’s team is currently four points behind fourth-placed Rennes. Even in the worse possible scenario, Lille should at least qualify for next season’s Europa Conference League by finishing fifth in Ligue 1.
To achieve the target of playing in Europe next season, Lille will have to be much more consistent in Ligue 1. They have been struggling to get consistent results since the start of 2022. However, Lille will be hosting Saint Etienne on the back of a convincing 4-0 win against Clermont Foot. Gourvennec will be hoping for a similar performance and outcome on Friday.
Saint Etienne is 17th in Ligue 1, a point above the relegation zone. The three teams in the relegation zone can leapfrog Saint Etienne with a couple of wins. Saint Etienne needs to win as many games as possible to secure their place in next season’s Ligue 1. The recent form has been promising for Saint Etienne as they travel to Lille on the back of three wins in their last five league games.