Lorient – Reims : Preview & Prediction
A 2-1 win in the “Derby de Bretagne” against Brest last weekend was the icing on the cake for Lorient, who are in the midst of their best start to a top flight campaign (G8, E1, P1), as well as making it six wins in a row. However, coach Régis Le Bris refuses to get carried away and remains cautious about their current second place, stating that “the standings are anecdotal with 28 games to play”.
Backed by a great start, Merlus appear to be on course for their first European qualification since 2002 and are clear pre-match favourites here to claim a fifth consecutive home win that would put them top of the table, at least until the PSG v Marseille “Classique” is played on Sunday. Lorient have shown their ability to manage expectations so far, as they are the only team in Ligue 1 to win 100% of their matches in which they started as favourites so far since the start of the season (G3).
Visiting Reims can proudly boast that they are the first team in 2022/23 not to concede against defending Ligue 1 champions PSG after last matchday’s goalless draw. Despite their upturn in form, Reims are still off to their worst 10-game start in Ligue 1 since the 1978/79 season (G1, E5, P4), which led to coach Oscar Garcia being sacked on Thursday. Assistant coach William Still was placed in charge of the team, at least on an interim basis.
Apparently, an away game presents a real opportunity for the Rouge et Bleu side, as they have taken five of their eight league points away from home this season, while they have lost just two of their previous eight Ligue 1 games in that condition (G3, E3) — that includes a 2-1 away win over Lorient in May. If Reims want to replicate that feat then they will need to ensure their discipline remains in check after receiving a red card in three consecutive away games in the top flight.
Players to watch: Lorient will be hoping Dango Ouattara can find the opposition goal as he has led his side to victory in their last five Ligue 1 games in which he has found the opposition goal. Aiming to eclipse him, Folarin Balogun has scored in four of Reims’ five away games this campaign.
Weekend stat: Only a third (nine) of the 27 goals scored in matches between the two sides at Ligue 1 level have come before half-time.
Lorient – Reims : Betting Tips
Lorient – Win Odds: 1.85
