Lille have developed an unfortunate tendency of allowing late goals, and it could ultimately cost them in the battle for a UEFA Champions League qualification slot. The Mastiffs are still holding on to a spot in Ligue 1’s top four heading into the weekend, but they would have been runners-up in the standings had they not tied three of their last four league matches due to conceding three equalizers after the 90th minute (W1).
The most recent of those encounters was a 2-2 stalemate with Montpellier last Sunday, after which coach Bruno Génésio admitted that his squad “must mature mentally.” The statistics suggest that Lille do not need to adjust drastically to become a genuine force to be reckoned with, as they are unbeaten in 13 games across all tournaments (W7, D6).
That streak will be challenged against Brest, who will pose a stern test despite having triumphed in just three out of 15 H2Hs this century (D4, L8). The visitors arrive at Stade Pierre-Mauroy following a morale-boosting victory last time out, halting a stretch of three straight league and cup losses by defeating Strasbourg 3-1 at home.
Brest boss Éric Roy conceded that result gave him immense “satisfaction,” but his squad now urgently need to build on that display, given they enter this round of games only four points clear of the relegation zone. History indicates that another triumph here is improbable, as the Pirates have not secured consecutive league victories since April, while Roy himself has never claimed a managerial win against Lille (D3, L4).
Key duel: Lille shot-stopper Lucas Chevalier might relish the opportunity of facing Brest, against whom he has never been defeated in four H2Hs, achieving two clean sheets in that period (W2, D2). Trying to breach his defense is likely to be visiting attacker Ludovic Ajorque, who has scored seven of his last nine goals as the opening or closing goal of the match.
Interesting stat: Lille are the only side in Ligue 1 yet to concede a home goal in the first 15 minutes of either half this season.
