A big challenge in Lille

Second behind Paris Saint-Germain, with 26 points from 13 games so far, Christophe Galtier's Lille side are in with a good shout of a top-3 finish in Ligue 1. With the second most prolific attack and second toughest defence (both after Paris), LOSC have lost just one game this season, away in Brest (3-2). The Dogues' defensive wall is virtually impenetrable at home, and they have not lost a single game at Stade Pierre Mauroy.They have only conceded 3 goals at home, taking an average of 2.43 points from every home game.   Since 2010/11, Bordeaux have won twice in Lille, drawn three times and lost five. But this will be no foregone conclusion: the Girondins come into this game on a strong run of form, unbeaten on their last two away trops (1-0 in Rennes on 20 November, 2-2 in Paris on 28 November).   Better still, Hatem Ben Arfa is on fire (two goals and an assist in the last 3 games). Bordeaux certainly have the firepower to break Lille's home record. The sense of cohesion in the squad and a very solid defence could also prove to be vital assets this weekend.

Lille have their share of attacking power too: Yusuf Yazici has been involved in 5 goals in his last 4 matches in Ligue 1 (3 goals and 2 assists). He also has a track record with the Girondins, playing a role in all 3 goals the last time Lille faced Bordeaux (1 goal, 2 assists) That was on 26th October 2019 (3-0), the only time LOSC played the Girondins last season. Meanwhile, LOSC striker Burak Yilmaz has already scored six league goals this season and provided four assists. Jonathan Bamba is not far behind with four goals and five assists.