Lille and Saint-Etienne face the 18th Stade Pierre Mauroy Saturday in a match of the 9th round of Ligue 1.
Both teams are on the brink of direct confrontation: the group in the North of France has reached the second position after clear victory in front of Olympique Marseille, 3-0, while the “verzii” have three victories in a row and occupies the fourth place, just one point behind Lille.
So far, the two bands have met 52 times on Lille’s ground, with a score of 26 host wins, 15 draws, and 11 successes for guests. However, Saint-Etienne has not won in the north for a quarter of a century, the last triumph being recorded in the 1993-1994 season. But, for eight years, Lille’s victories have alternated with draws, so if symmetry were to remain, we should be seeing a draw.
But Lille has a great advantage, which can lead her to a new victory: coach Christophe Galtier, who trained him for “green” one year later.
Lille won all of Ligue 1 matches this season, while Saint-Etienne barely got his first successful away at Toulouse. That’s why I think the “verzii” will not be able to submit now the fortress of Pierre Mauroy and I count on 1 soloist.
PREDICTION: Lille to win @ 2.00
