Stade Reims vs LOSC Lille Prediction: Expect a close encounter

Stade Reims will battle LOSC Lille for the first 3 points of the 2024/25 season. Both teams play against each other for the first time in the new season at the Stade Auguste Delaune in Reims. Last time both teams met in that venue, LOSC Lille won by a narrow 1-0 score, courtesy of Jonathan David’s goal in the 56th minute. Surely, Reims will be hoping for a better start to the season and losing all 3 points is definitely not a proper start.

Stade Reims had a series of mixed results in the preseason as they won 3 of the 7 matches they played, but their expectations remain unchanged ahead of the new season. Stade Reims prepare to welcome LOSC Lille to the Stade Auguste Delaune, and they hope to win.

Stade Reims ended the 2023/24 season in 9th place, meaning they failed to qualify for any of Europe’s tournaments this season, so they will be fully focused on a better finish this season. Their overall record at the end of the season was: 13 wins, 8 draws and 13 defeats, and a total of 47 points.

Reims would look to play the same tactical game which they played in the previous season. Maybe slight alterations, possibly their approach towards playing may be to press more and break faster with the kind of players they've brought in. They will play fast transition-based play, and most likely they will stick to flexible 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, which will grant rather solid bases in the area while allowing for width and attacking options in the area. They should expect Reims to press the game fast in the quick circulation of the ball. Expect them in their approach to also disrupt opponents' buildup play and counter the spaces created in the process. Defensively compact, they will hope Reims will hope that they manage to remain compact across the team.

LOSC Lille are heading into the new season with lots of enthusiasm and expectations. They have been handed a tough game on match day 1 against Stade Reims away from home. LOSC Lille won by a narrow 1-0 scoreline in their last visit to the Stade Auguste Delaune last season, which clearly indicates how tough this fixture is.

LOSC Lille made it to the top 4 at the end of last season, automatically qualifying them for Champions League playoffs. They ended the season with a record 16 wins, 11 draws and 7 defeats with a total of 59 points.

Bruno Genesio's team has been very active in the transfer window, with great moves visible both for domestic and European competition. Lille is working actively in the window, signing some big players: perhaps foremost Osame Sahraoui from Heerenveen for €8 million and Ngal'ayel Mukau from KV Mechelen for €5 million, while highly experienced defenders Thomas Meunier and Aïssa Mandi signed on free transfers. However, with the key defender Leny Yoro going to Manchester United, the profile fee rose to €62 million. Others leaving are Ivan Cavaleiro and Yusuf Yazıcı, who left at the end of their contracts.

In the last 20 matches between LOSC Lille and Stade Reims, Reims won 9 matches, while Lille won 7 and 4 matches ended in a draw.

H2H Streaks

Both teams scored in 5/7 matches

There were less than 4.5 cards in 5/7 matches

There were less than 10.5 corners in 8/9 matches

Reims are normally very strong at home, while showing some solid defensive capability through recent campaigns. Lille is indeed one of the more consistent sides in Ligue 1, finishing near top positions frequently. They have got an overall squad with a brawny midfield and attacking line. Lille might look to be a lot more offensive from the beginning, so as to get off to a good start in their campaign, especially as Reims may take a more defensive approach, looking to exploit things from set-pieces.

Given the class act Lille is and the need to start their campaign on a good note, they could have the slightest of margins over their opponents. Still, Reims's defensive resilience at home might still make this game tight.

It'll likely end up in a narrow win for Lille, but Reims can definitely give this game a good fight, particularly if they use the home advantage well and set pieces to good effect.

• LOSC Lille Win or Draw and Under 3.5 Goals at 1.77 Odds
• Both Teams to Score at 1.78 Odds
• LOSC Lille to Win 2-1 at 8.50 Odds