Lille to host Angers in on Ligue 1 Match Day 2.

2024-09-15

As LOSC Lille prepare to host newly-promoted Angers at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, they'll seek to extend their impressive unbeaten run and capitalize on their bolstered squad, while Angers aim to defy expectations and secure a vital upset in their return to Ligue 1.

LOSC Lille

Lille continued their excellent start to the 2024/25 season with a commanding 2-0 victory over Slavia Prague in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off round. The win extends their unbeaten streak across all competitions to six matches [4W, 2D, 0L].

Their momentum is further bolstered by a 2-0 triumph over Reims in their Ligue 1 opener, setting a positive tone as they prepare to face newly-promoted Angers. The additions of Thomas Meunier and Aïssa Mandi provide defensive reinforcement, while the retention of star forward Jonathan David and the acquisition of young talent Ethan Mbappé have significantly bolstered their attack.

The partnership between David and Mbappé was on full display in the win against Reims, with the duo combining effectively for Lille's second goal. As they face Angers, Lille will be confident in their ability to secure three points, especially given their recent performances.

Although the last six head-to-head encounters between these teams have been evenly split [2W, 2D, 2L], Lille's current form and the quality of their roster suggest they are well-positioned to come out on top. Edon Zhegrova remains out of this fixture due to a red card suspension.

Angel Gomes, who suffered a terrible head injury in the opening fixture, is also out of this clash. Nabil Bentaleb and Samuel Umtiti are other notable absentees for this fixture.

Angers SCO

Angers' return to Ligue 1 began with a narrow 1-0 defeat at home to RC Lens. The club experienced a quiet transfer window, raising concerns about the possibility of facing another challenging season.

Despite the lack of transfer activity, manager Alexandre Dujeux remains optimistic. Appointed with just 12 matches remaining in the 2022–23 season, Dujeux managed to secure eight of Angers' 18 points, showcasing his ability to maximize the squad's potential under difficult circumstances.

He can draw on the positive memory of one of his two wins during that period, a 1-0 victory over Lille, as a source of motivation. Additionally, three players who started in Angers' last victory at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in January 2021 are still part of the squad, potentially providing a psychological edge.

However, the lack of significant reinforcements may hinder Angers' ability to consistently compete for a spot in the upper half of the table. The team will be without Farid El Melali, who has a rib injury, and Jim Allevinah, sidelined with a groin injury. Nineteen-year-old winger Justin-Noël Kalumba is also out with a broken ankle.