Lille vs Guingamp preview

Posted Friday, October 17, 2014 by PA

Lille boss Rene Girard will not be taking Guingamp lightly despite the poor start to the Ligue 1 season made by Saturday's opponents.

Jocelyn Gourvennec's side currently sit bottom of the table with six points from nine games.

Lille have fared much better and are fourth but they have only won one of their last six games and lost 3-0 to Lyon prior to the international break.

Girard hopes two weeks away from the domestic game will have had a rejuvenating effect and told a press conference, according to Lille's website: "We felt the need to take a breather after Wolfsburg (a 1-1 draw in the Europa League) and Lyon.

"Despite the departure of several players to their national teams, such a break was good for the group. Now I am waiting for the African players to return to get an idea as to their fitness, although I have not had bad news so far.

"We will throw ourselves back into the championship on Saturday, facing a Guingamp side that has had a difficult start to the season, with a busy schedule.

"However, we will remain vigilant because this team has quality, as evidenced by their victory (over PAOK) in the Europa League. They also have had time to rest. We will not take this team lightly."

The victory over PAOK was a welcome result for Guingamp, who are on a run of four consecutive defeats in Ligue 1.

The Coupe de France winners have lost seven of their nine league games, with their only positive results being victories over Lens and Bordeaux.