Lorient marks their return to top-flight French League this weekend as they welcome side Strasbourg home. The match schedules for Sunday with the start of the Ligue 1 with kickoff at 4 pm.
Strasbourg is enjoying their fourth successive stay at French top tier clubs after managing to secure a tenth finish last season. The side looked impressive before the curtailment of the 2019-20 season.
Christopher Pesselier took charge of Lorient while in Ligue 2 and managed to end the season at the top of the league. This followed with the curtailment of the season, meaning the side gained automatic promotion to the league.
Before the curtailment of the season, the side was not in an impressive form, managing to lose four of the five final games. However, the 17 wins from the 28 matches in the league were enough for automatic promotion.
Thiery Laurey managed to end the season on a high with a tenth finish above side Angers due to a point per game system. This marked the highest season finish for the side for the last 20 years.
The side is establishing itself as a regular starter in Ligue 1 with four years of top tier football. The side managed to finish off the season with three points adrift of a Europa League placement with a game in hand.
Lorient vs. Strasbourg Head to Head
Both sides have played two games against each other with Lorient picking the win while one ending in a draw. Here is a look at their previous encounters in the league:
Home
Lorient 1-0 Guingamp
Angers 0-0 Lorient
Lorient 1-1 Rennes
Brest 2-2 Lorient
Away
Strasbourg 2-3 Metz
Strasbourg 2-1 Montepellier
Olympique 0-1 Strasbourg
Lorient Team News
The side has been busy in the transfer window, gaining forward Adrian Grbic from Clermont, where he netted 17 goals and four assists. However, the star suffered an ankle injury and remained a doubt ahead of the clash. This leaves space for Umut Bozok to lead the attacking line.
Strasbourg Team News
The side recently signed Chelsea midfielder Trevor Chalobah on loan, but it is unlikely the skipper will feature so soon. After recovering from a coronavirus positive test, it remains the role of Bingourous to replace the injured Matz Sels.
Prediction and Odds
With Lorient still lacking some Ligue 1 experience, we expect Strasbourg to take advantage and record a win.
Strasbourg Win
Goals Under 2.5
Most Goals: 2H