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Lille and Reims will lock horns in what promises to be an enthralling Ligue 1 fixture at Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Tuesday, 26th September 2023. With Lille seeking their eighth consecutive home victory and Reims aiming to maintain their recent edge over the hosts, the stakes are undoubtedly high for both sides.

Analysis: Lille have been in spectacular form at home, enjoying a seven-game winning streak. The coveted eighth win would see them match a club record, a motivating factor going into this game. Their resilient defence, evident from their impressive home clean sheet run this season, is a testament to their solidity. However, it’s not just about the defence. A 2-2 draw against Rennes in the previous game shows that Lille can score but may need to work on game management, having squandered a two-goal lead.

Positionally, Lille sits in the top half of the table, at 7th, with the possibility of breaking into European contention if they secure maximum points. However, a concerning statistic for the home side is their recent record against Reims, with no victories in the last three encounters.

On the team front, injuries to Tiago Djalo and key players like Nabil Bentaleb and Adam Ounas might be worrying for Paulo Fonseca, but the likely lineup boasts talent. Players like Yazici and David upfront can be game-changers on their day.

Reims, under the stewardship of Will Still, have been somewhat inconsistent. Their away form, in particular, has been a point of concern. Conceding five goals in just three road fixtures and failing to keep a clean sheet away from home since last season might be an area Lille would look to exploit. However, the attacking front has been promising for Reims. They have netted six times in away games, which hints at an exciting contest considering Lille’s defensive prowess at home. The possible inclusion of Teddy Teuma, who is in great form, could be pivotal for Reims.

Historically, Reims has a slight edge in the head-to-head with Lille, and they would be keen to keep that record intact. However, both teams will be equally desperate for a win, given their respective ambitions.

Prediction: Given the data and the current forms of both teams, this fixture looks like a closely contested one. While Lille boasts a formidable home record, Reims has shown that they can trouble the hosts. Considering the defensive form of Lille at home and Reims’ recent attacking prowess on the road, it might be a game of few goals.

Goal.mu predicts: Lille 1-1 Reims. Lille’s home form is commendable, but Reims has recently been a tough nut for them to crack. A drawn game seems a likely outcome given the stakes involved.