Gameweek two is upon us in Ligue 1 as Nantes and Lille will battle it out here at the Stade Pierre Mauroy as the two sides come off the back of very contrasting results in the opening weekend of action.
For Lille, they are simply looking to achieve the same form that saw them win Ligue 1 back in 2020/21. They edged past Paris Saint-Germain that year by just a handful of points, but their attacking intent and overall tactical output was the most impressive feature of that season.
Prise de marques à la 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘂𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗿𝗲 🏟Mercredi matin, les hommes d'𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗞𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗲́ se sont entraînés sur la nouvelle pelouse de leur antre, à deux jours de #FCNLOSC 👇 pic.twitter.com/kj0wrJDovN— FC Nantes (@FCNantes) August 11, 2022
Prise de marques à la 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘂𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗿𝗲 🏟Mercredi matin, les hommes d'𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗞𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗲́ se sont entraînés sur la nouvelle pelouse de leur antre, à deux jours de #FCNLOSC 👇 pic.twitter.com/kj0wrJDovN
Last campaign, however, things were very different for the 2020/21 champions. Lille finished 10th last time out in what was one of the worst attempts at defending a Ligue 1 title.
The club managed to register just 14 wins and lost 11 at the same time, scoring a weak 55 goals from the 38 games. Their defensive capabilities significantly weakened too with 48 goals let in.
Now, they are back in the win column and have started the season in thrilling style. The club played hosts to new side Auxerre on the opening weekend of Ligue 1 action as they saw three different goalscorers in the game.
What was most impressive was how Canadian star and hero of the last two seasons, Jonathan David, netted twice in the game to keep up his fantastic goalscoring run - he netted 13 Ligue 1 goals in the title win and 15 in the previous campaign.
Zedadka and Andre also scored in that game as the club had 61% of the ball and put together six shots on target.
As for Nantes, they have had a torrid start to life in 2022/23. They’ve played two games already with them winning the cup last season, meaning they met with PSG in the Trophee des Champions.
The reigning Ligue 1 champions defeated them 4-0 in what was an easy win for PSG and a disastrous game and torrid performance from the cup winners.
Then came the match with Angers in the opening week of league action. It was once again a tough match for the club, as they drew 0-0 with just three shots on target, two bookings and four corners in the game.
It’s tough to see how Nantes get anything from this game after their first two showings. Forebet predicts a win here for Lille and for the game to see under 2.5 goals.