Preview: Toulouse vs. Lorient - prediction, team news, lineups

With Toulouse newly-promoted and Lorient only narrowly escaping relegation last season, both sides may view this as a significant fixture even at this early stage of the season.

Match preview

It has been an excellent return to Ligue 1 for Toulouse so far, though, with four points from their opening two fixtures.

Only Aaron Ramsey's late equaliser denied them an impressive victory against Nice on the opening day, before Les Violets dismantled Troyes 3-0 away from home last weekend.

Former Liverpool defender Yasser Larouci inadvertently bundled the ball over his own goal-line to provide the visitors with a half-time lead, before Rafael Ratao and Rhys Healey struck in the second-half to wrap up a comfortable victory for their side.

Afte scoring 35 goals in 65 Ligue 2 appearances for Toulouse, Healey has had to remain patient so far this season, with all of the Englishman's minutes coming from the bench. For head coach Philippe Montanier, it is nice to have options ahead of a winnable home match against Lorient.

Lorient, meanwhile, have a 100% record in Ligue 1 after their home match against Lyon was postponed last weekend.

The LFP's Competitions Committee deemed the current state of the pitch at Stade du Moustoir as a potential safety risk for the players, after eight events in connection with the Interceltic festival took place at the stadium earlier this month.

This would have hugely disappointed head coach Regis Le Bris, who had guided Les Merlus to an improbable win away at Rennes in his first game in charge of the club and must have hoped to use that as a building block for a more successful season following finishing 16th last time around.

With only two shots on target and 36% possession across the course of the 90 minutes, though, his side may need to perform better to gain a positive result this weekend, after Arthur Theate's own goal proved to be the difference on the day.

Toulouse Ligue 1 form:

Lorient Ligue 1 form:

Team News

Toulouse will remain without Fares Chaibi, who is likely to be sidelined until September with an abdominal injury.

Montanier may be tempted to hand Healey a start after his positive introduction from the bench last weekend, but it is very difficult to change a winning side and ultimately the 57-year-old is more likely to go with the same starting XI.

Lorient, meanwhile, will travel without Julien Ponceau, with the midfielder unlikely to return before September due to a knee issue.

Like his counterpart, Le Bris will surely look to start the same team which performed above expectations in defeating Rennes on the opening day.

Toulouse possible starting lineup:

Dupe; Desler, Rouault, Nicolaisen, Sylla; Spierings, Van den Boomen; Aboukhlal, Dejaegere, Ratao; Dallinga

Lorient possible starting lineup:

Mvogo; Kalulu, Laporte, Talbi, Le Goff; Ouattara, Abergel, Innocent; Le Fee, Moffi, Lauriente

We say: Toulouse 2-1 Lorient

Toulouse appear to have real momentum behind them at the moment following their promotion, while Lorient could be rusty having not competed last weekend.

As such, we can envisage a narrow victory for the hosts, who were impressive in scoring three goals away from home last time out.

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