Bitesize Prediction: Lille vs Brest

Competition: Ligue 1

Market: Jonathan David to score anytime

Odds: 21/20 @ 888sport

Looking to make an immediate return to winning ways on Friday night, Lille will welcome Brest to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

Starting with the hosts, left heartbroken away at defending champions PSG last weekend as they eventually fell to a 4-3 loss, Lille will be seeking an immediate response here. Still trying to find some stability since opening the New Year, Paulo Fonseca’s men appear in a real battle to clinch a European ticket this season. However, while the Mastiffs might have won just a pair of their previous six domestic matchups across all formats, they do have an attacking talisman who is enjoying yet another stellar free-scoring run. Once again finding the net in the capital last weekend, Jonathan David has now recorded four strikes in just his last three appearances. Likewise, bagging a brace in Lille’s 2-0 victory against Strasbourg on February 12th, the Canadian international should be confident of extending on that tally here.

As for the visitors, while Brest might have come within touching distance of clinch a famous top-half finish last season, Eric Roy’s side have really come crashing back down to earth. Although the Pirates might have signed off January with a much-needed romp at home against Angers, it appears that was nothing more than a minor boost for the relegation scrappers. Opening up this weekend’s fixtures holding just a one-point buffer from freefalling into the drop zone, Friday’s guests have recorded just a sole Ligue 1 victory since returning from the World Cup break. Last seen on their travels getting hit with a 3-0 drumming at the hands of Montpellier, Brest have gained a reputation for their extended defensive issues. It should also be noted, Roy’s men have recorded just a pair of Ligue 1 clean sheets on their travels this season.