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Le Mans and Lorient clash heads for the first time in over six years, with both sides looking to bounce back from their respective draws last week when they meet at Stade Marie-Marvingt on Saturday, 19 September.
Both sides played out 2-2 draws against Lens and Toulouse respectively in the previous round.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Le Mans vs Lorient key stats
- Le Mans sit 14th after four rounds, with only three points.
- Les Mucistes have attempted a league-low 41 shots in the opening four rounds.
- Lorient are yet to concede away from home this season.
- Les Merlus have the highest incerceptions per 90 minutes (13.8).
Le Mans vs Lorient preview: Mucistes extend search for Ligue 1 victory
Le Mans vs Lorient — Tale of the Tape
| Le Mans | vs | Lorient |
|---|---|---|
| 14th | Position | 8th |
| 3 | Points | 5 |
| 7 | Goals For | 4 |
| 8 | Goals Against | 4 |
| 0 | Clean Sheets | 2 |
| 10th | Home / Away Rank | 8th |
Le Mans continued their winless start to the season as Lens came from a goal down to steal a point at Stade Marie-Marvingt, marking their third draw in four opening games (L1).
The Mucistes are enjoying an excellent home run though, with their draw extending their unbeaten streak on home turf to 17 straight games. It is their second longest such run in history.
Patrick Videira’s side have scored and conceded four goals at home, and Lorient’s visit is expected to put them to the test once again.
Lucas Buades is Le Mans’ only absentee for this game, while Alexander Dujeux also has one missing for Lorient: Bandiougou Fadiga.
Similar to Le Mans, Lorient also failed to preserve their lead last matchday, with Toulouse coming from two goals down to draw 2-2.
Their away form has been commendable in the top flight, with no away defeats tasted since April this year – four consecutive away games.
They are one of three Ligue 1 teams yet to concede on the road this season.
Le Mans vs Lorient form guide & betting tips
| Le Mans | vs | Lorient |
|---|---|---|
LDLDD |
Last five | LDLWD |
| 7 | Goals For | 5 |
| 9 | Goals Against | 8 |
DLDD |
Ligue 1 form | DLWD |
Whispers predicts: Le Mans 1-2 Lorient
Lorient to win at 13/8 (2.62) is worth the backing, according to Bet365, with the visitors clearly the superior side on paper. Le Mans are on an eight-match winless run (D4, L4) against Lorient – their longest dry streak against a Ligue 1 opponent.
Six of Le Mans’ last seven matches saw both teams score, including each of their four games this season. BTTS – Yes at 8/13 (1.61) carries value.
Along the same lines, Lorient to win & BTTS – Yes at 15/4 (4.75) is perhaps the pick of the lot.
However, on another note, Le Mans’ home form is undeniable. A double chance in Lorient’s favour i.e. Lorient or Draw at 8/15 (1.53) is also a realistic outcome.
Louis Mafouta of Le Mans has been a standout performer, with three goals and one assist in four games. At 23/20 (2.15), backing him to score or assist anytime is worth considering.
> Lorient to win at 13/8 (2.62) | Likelihood: Possible
> BTTS – Yes at 8/13 (1.61) | Likelihood: Possible
> Lorient to win & BTTS – Yes at 15/4 (4.75) | Likelihood: Possible
> Double chance – Lorient or Draw at 8/15 (1.53) | Likelihood: Probable
> Louis Mafouta to score or assist anytime at 23/20 (2.15) | Likelihood: Likely