Lorient vs Le Havre
Ligue 1
Sunday
28th January 2024
Stade du Moustoir
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Ligue 1 fixture between Lorient and Le Havre.
Lorient vs Le Havre: Preview
Lorient form analysis
Les Merlus has struggled for form in recent matches, enduring a difficult run that has seen them lose four of their last five games in Ligue 1. Their latest outing was a 3-0 defeat away to high-flying Lille, a result which leaves Lorient 12th in the Ligue 1 table. Conceding twice in the second half to lose 2-1 after taking an early lead through Adil Pelon. Their form in the league has been similarly disappointing, with a 4-0 thrashing by Brest preceding back-to-back defeats against Marseille and Strasbourg in mid-December.
The loss to Marseille was particularly heavy at 4-2, with Lorient shipping two goals in quick succession after the break to kill off any hopes of a comeback after they had got back to 2-1 early in the second half. With just one win in five and 11 goals conceded across those games, Lorient’s form and defensive fragilities will be a real concern for the manager. Turning their form around against in-form opponents will be a tall order, but improved defensive stability and recovering their early season confidence must be the priorities.
Le Havre form analysis
Le Havre’s form has been inconsistent over recent matches, but they will take confidence from an impressive 3-1 home win over Lyon in their last outing. That result ended a run of back-to-back defeats against Reims and Strasbourg in the league. Prior to that they had beaten Nice 3-1 at home, bouncing back well from a 2-0 loss away to PSG. Indeed, their away form has been a real issue, with heavy defeats in their last two games on the road against teams towards the top of the table.
However, Le Havre have shown they have the quality to get results against sides around them at home. The wins over Nice and Lyon highlighted their attacking threat, led by the in-form Eamonn Sabbi. If they can add some solidity to their away performances, they could push up the table. However, their struggles on the road, including conceding late goals against Strasbourg and Reims, remain a concern. Finding greater consistency, particularly defensively, will be key if they are to finish in the top half of the table. Building on the confidence from the Lyon win will be crucial.
