For Lille, it’s the UEFA Champions League. For Brest, it’s pure survival. This Saturday, 17 May, at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, two clubs with polar opposite ambitions collide in a high-stakes Ligue 1 season finale.
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Reims vs Lille prediction: Lille to ascend as Reims play with fire?
Key stats
- Lille enter the final matchday following their first defeat in five games (W3, D1).
- Les Dogues have drawn each of their last three Ligue 1 season finales.
- Reims are on a three-match winless streak (D1, L2).
- Reims have conceded at least one goal in each of their last 13 away H2Hs.
Correct score prediction: Lille 2-0 Reims
Lille’s attack went quiet for the first time since mid-March in their 2-0 loss to Brest, but with 57 points and zero margin for error, expect a strong response against Reims. The visitors arrive at the Pierre-Mauroy fighting for survival, but with next week’s Coupe de France final looming, this might be one battle too many. Back Lille to deliver when it matters as they sit locked on 57 points with Strasbourg and Nice.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Lillois the overwhelming favourites
- HOME: 2/5 (1.40) – 71.4%
- DRAW: 18/5 (4.60) – 21.7%
- AWAY: 13/2 (7.50) – 13.3%
Lille’s European fate hangs in the balance, risking only their second absence from continental football since 2019. However, bookmakers remain confident in their resurgence, offering commanding 2/5 odds (71.4% win probability) for them to deliver a statement victory over Reims.
We share this outlook. Samba Diawara’s side face daunting odds of 13/2 (7.50) – a miniscule 13.3% probability of returning home with a victory. Lille’s quality and European ambitions should prove decisive in the end.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Evenly matched
Lille and Reims have tasted two wins apiece, although Lille claimed bragging rights in each of the last two encounters. Reims remain scoreless against the Lillois in both recent games.
France Ligue 1 17/08/24
Reims
Lille
France Ligue 1 02/03/24
Reims
Lille
France Ligue 1 26/09/23
Lille
Reims
France Ligue 1 06/05/23
Reims
Lille
France Ligue 1 02/01/23
Lille
Reims
Lille preview: Time to settle matters
Eyeing a string of three H2H wins for only the second time in their top-flight history, Genesio is expected to tackle Reims without the likes of Andre Gomes, Ethan Mbappe, Tiago Santos and Edon Zhegrova.
Predicted lineup: Chevalier (GK), Umtiti, Diakite, Ribeiro, Ismaily, Bakker, Mukau, Andre, Haraldsson, Fernandez-Pardo & David
France Ligue 1 10/05/25
L
Brest
2
Lille
0
France Ligue 1 04/05/25
D
Marseille
1
Lille
1
France Ligue 1 27/04/25
W
Angers
0
Lille
2
France Ligue 1 20/04/25
W
Auxerre
1
Lille
3
France Ligue 1 12/04/25
W
Toulouse
1
Lille
2
Reims preview: Plenty on the line
Reims are expected to fight hard, but Diawara will miss the services of Mohamed Daramy, Yaya Fofana and Reda Khadra. Keito Nakamura is also suspended for the game on account of yellow cards accumulated.
Predicted lineup: Diouf (GK), Sekine, Gbane, Okumu, Kipre, Akieme, Ito, Edoa, Kone, Tia & Siebatcheu
France Ligue 1 10/05/25
L
St Etienne
2
Reims
0
France Ligue 1 02/05/25
L
Nice
1
Reims
0
France Ligue 1 27/04/25
D
Montpellier
0
Reims
0
France Ligue 1 20/04/25
W
Toulouse
0
Reims
1
France Ligue 1 11/04/25
W
Lens
0
Reims
2
Player to Watch: Jonathan David
David plays his final game in Lille colours as he prepares to bid farewell after four action-packed years. The Canadian has 16 goals to his name this league campaign, currently in fourth place amongst top scorers.
Expect him to net in his third straight H2H as Lille look towards their star forward for inspiration. In fact, Lille never lost an encounter against Reims when David scored in five games.