Out-of-form Lorient could be in for a very difficult task as they attempt to return to winning ways, with their opponents Lille showing a lot of improvement of late.

Boosted by some shrewd transfer dealings in the summer transfer market, les Merlus enjoyed a very good start to the season, with players like Giuly, Traore and Corgnet quickly proving their worth at Le Moustoir.

Taking 11 points from first 5 games, Christian Gourcuff’s side climbed to the European places, but then their luck started taking a turn for the worse.

As the key players started picking up injuries, Lorient began to struggle, and have now failed to win any of their last eight games, slipping to 11th place in the Ligue 1 standings.

With a number of first team regulars still in the infirmary, it is hardly surprising home win pays as much as 3.20 (11/5) at Ladbrokes.

Starting midfielder Maxime Barthelme has joined the lengthy injury list, with Alain Traore, Bruno Ecuele Manga, Mathieu Coutadeur, Cheikh Toure and Lucas Mareque not yet ready to return.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Audard – Pedrinho, Kone, Lautoa, Le Lan – Sunu, Jouffre, Romao, Corgnet – Giuly, Aliadiere.

Despite only staying without Eden Hazard and Joe Cole, while signing a number of quality players, Lille had largely struggled to hit the ground running this season.

Following the opening victory over Saint Etienne, les Dogues could only win two of next thirteen, although they have finally started to show some improvement.

While losing 6-1 to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, Rudi Garcia’s side recorded three straight victories in Ligue 1, while also seeing off Toulouse in Coupe de la Ligue.

With les Dogues now set to face a severely weakened Lorient, they look a good bet at odds of 2.50 (3/2) offered by Coral.

Having scored five goals in last three league games, Lille are 2.40 (7/5) with Sportingbet to score two or more against Lorient.

Boss Rudi Garcia has no fresh injury worries, but Ryan Mendes and Lucas Digne continued to miss out.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Landreau – Debuchy, Basa, Chedjou, Beria – Balmont, Mavuba, Martin – Kalou, Roux, Payet.