Lille vs Toulouse Predictions

• Both teams have scored in two of Lille’s last three home league games and four of Toulouse’s last five on the road
• Lille have won back-to-back matches and just beat Real Madrid at home while Toulouse have lost three of their last four Ligue 1 matches
• Jonathan David has scored five goals in Lille’s last three games

Lille have uneared another gem

Lille’s players are walking tall after beating holders Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday but they will be made to work hard for another win by Toulouse this weekend.

Bruno Genesio’s side executed a superb game plan at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, although they had goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier to thank for a couple of smart stops when the visitors made a desperate push for a point.

Lille, who sold Leny Yoro for big money last summer, have unearthed another gem in 17-year-old central midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. He was a surprise selection, having only started two Ligue 1 matches previously, and could become a firm fixture in Les Dogues’ engine room for the rest of the campaign.

Toulouse can provide a tricky test

Genesio will freshen up his line-up for the visit of Les Violets, but he dare not drop striker Jonathan David. The Canadian hot-shot has been responsible for close to 50% of Lille’s goals this season and has registered their last five in all competitions, including a hat-trick at Le Havre last weekend.

Toulouse lost at home to Lyon last time out, but a draw would have been a fairer result based on expected goals and other statistics. The same analytics indicate they are the biggest underachievers in Ligue 1 this season and should be as high as sixth in the table instead of languishing in 15th, only a point clear of the drop zone.

Therefore, this clash could prove trickier than it appears on paper for Lille. Toulouse have the potential to pounce if Genesio’s side suffer any form of hangover from the Real Madrid match. Backing both teams to score looks a solid play given Lille have conceded three goals apiece in their last two home games and Toulouse have scored and conceded in four f their last five road trips.