Preview: Angers vs. Lille - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts are massively cut adrift at the bottom of the standings with survival now looking near-impossible.

Match preview

After almost breaking the record for the most defeats in succession in Ligue 1 history earlier this season, Angers are just two games away from equalling another unwanted all-time division record.

Their 21 games without a win is just two shy of the number set by Arles-Avignon in the 2010-11 season.

Le SCO have taken just three points from a possible 63 in this period, meaning they are fully expected to be relegated to Ligue 2 with a whimper this season.

Their tally of 11 points from 29 games is the second-worst in Ligue 1 history, with only Brest having amassed fewer points of any season at this stage, back in 1980.

Being 10 points adrift and 15 points from safety means Angers could quite easily be relegated before April is out, making it one of the earliest relegations seen in the competition.

Ending a near-five hour scoring drought to earn a point against Nice last time out was a minor positive in what has been a truly horrific season for Angers.

Meanwhile, Lille are enjoying a productive campaign which has them in the hunt for Europe.

Their win over Lorient last time out was a 15th of the season for Lille, more than what they amassed in the whole of last season.

They left it late to do so though, with two goals from Edon Zhegrova after the 89th minute securing a 3-1 victory.

Lille's remarkable resurgence has only added to the frustration of their sluggish start which saw them take just 13 points from their opening nine games.

In the following 20 games, they have taken just two points fewer than league leaders Paris Saint-Germain, meaning they would have been well in the race for the Champions League, and potentially even the title, if they had made a better start.

Just two defeats since October, against PSG and Nice, suggest Angers will have their work cut out against one of the most in-form sides in Europe.

Angers Ligue 1 form:

L

L

L

L

L

D

Lille Ligue 1 form:

L

W

D

D

W

W

Team News

Angers have some short-term injury absentees coming into this one, with Miha Blazic and Amine Salama both out.

Lois Diony, Ulrick Eneme-Ella and Ali Kalla have missed much of the season, and will remain sidelined.

Zhegrova has become something of a super sub for Lille, so the Kosovan may start on the bench again, with his pace and fresh legs being utilised later on in proceedings.

The winger has four goals and four assists in his last seven appearances despite only starting in four of those games, and failing to register any between August and January this season.

There are just two defensive injury concerns for manager Paulo Fonseca to worry about, with Ismaily and Tiago Djalo both missing.

Andre Gomes will return from suspension here and could replace his namesake Angel Gomes in central midfield.

Angers possible starting lineup:

Bernardoni; El Melali, Valery, Hountondji, Ghoulam, Kalumba; Capelle, Mendy, Bentaleb; Abdelli, Niane

Lille possible starting lineup:

Chevalier, Weah, Jose Fonte, Alexsandro, Gudmundsson; Andre, Andre Gomes, Cabella; Ounas, David, Bamba

We say: Angers 0-2 Lille

Lille should have few troubles in seeing off one of Europe's poorest performing sides this season.

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