Angers vs Lille Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Sunday, February 22nd

Angers will host Lille in a crucial Ligue 1 encounter at the Stade Raymond Kopa on Sunday, 22 February. This match holds significant importance as both teams are competing for vital points in the league standings. Angers, playing at home, will look to capitalise on their familiarity with the Stade Raymond Kopa to gain an advantage over Lille. Meanwhile, Lille, known for their strong performances, will aim to secure a victory to strengthen their position in the league.

The clash between Angers and Lille promises to be an intriguing battle, as both sides have shown competitive form in recent matches. With Angers aiming to climb the Ligue 1 table and Lille seeking to maintain their momentum, this match is set to offer plenty of action. These betting tips will break down the key aspects to consider, providing insights into potential outcomes and strategic plays for this exciting fixture.

Angers vs Lille Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Draw	3.48

Given the current form and historical data, a draw appears to be a sensible betting tip for this match. Angers have been strong at home recently, while Lille are struggling to find form with a string of winless matches.

• Less than 2.5 goals have been scored in 73% of Angers’ matches this season, indicating a low-scoring and tight match.
• Lille are winless in their last five matches, showing their struggle to secure victories.
• Angers have a positive home record, making it tough for Lille to secure an away win.

Both teams have shown competitive performances lately, making it difficult to separate them.

Betting Odds

In this Ligue 1 clash, Lille are the favourites with odds of 1.86, reflecting their stronger form and league position. Angers, playing at home, are priced at 4.18, suggesting a challenging task ahead for the hosts.

Betting Tip	Odds
Angers to win	4.18
Draw	3.48
Lille to win	1.86

The draw is priced at 3.48, which may appeal to punters seeking a balanced outcome. Given Lille’s attacking potential, betting on over 2.5 goals could be worth considering.

Angers Analysis & Past Performance

Angers currently sit 11th in Ligue 1 with 29 points, reflecting a mid-table position. Their recent form has been mixed, with two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five matches. Notably, they kept clean sheets in three of these games, demonstrating defensive resilience despite inconsistent results overall.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Lorient	Angers	2 – 0 (Loss)	Ligue 1	15 Feb 2026
Angers	Toulouse	1 – 0 (Win)	Ligue 1	8 Feb 2026
Angers	Metz	1 – 0 (Win)	Ligue 1	1 Feb 2026
Paris FC	Angers	0 – 0 (Draw)	Ligue 1	25 Jan 2026
Angers	Marseille	2 – 5 (Loss)	Ligue 1	17 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• LWWDL

In their last five games, Angers have averaged 0.80 goals scored per match while conceding an average of 1.40. The team has shown strong home form, winning three of their last five matches at Stade Raymond Kopa, including narrow 1-0 victories over Toulouse and Metz. However, their away performances have been less impressive, highlighted by a recent 2-0 defeat to Lorient. Sidiki Cherif remains a pivotal figure in Angers’ attack, contributing four goals this season. Despite a balanced home record, Angers’ struggle to score consistently is evident, with only 22 goals in 22 league matches. This attacking challenge, coupled with conceding 27 goals, underscores the need for improved efficiency to climb the table.

Angers Suspensions & Injuries

Angers will be without Carlens Arcus, who is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards. His absence in defence will necessitate a reshuffle, with Marius Courcoul likely to step in as a replacement. Courcoul’s inclusion could alter the defensive dynamics, as Arcus’s pace and experience have been crucial in previous matches. This suspension may affect Angers’ ability to maintain a solid backline against Lille’s attacking threat.

Player	Suspension	Matches Left	Expected Return
Carlens Arcus	Yellow cards	1	Unknown

In terms of injuries, Harouna Djibirin is sidelined with a groin strain and is expected to return by late February 2026. Djibirin’s absence may not significantly affect the starting eleven, given his limited appearances this season. However, it does restrict Angers’ options off the bench, potentially impacting their flexibility and depth during the match.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Harouna Djibirin	Groin strain	Late February 2026

These absences may prompt coach Alexandre Dujeux to make tactical adjustments, possibly altering the team’s formation or approach to compensate for the missing players. Betting markets may see these unavailabilities as a disadvantage for Angers, potentially influencing odds in favour of Lille, especially considering the defensive adjustments required.

Angers Key Players

Angers will be relying on their top scorer, Sidiki Cherif, who has netted four goals this season, to lead their attacking efforts. Cherif’s clinical finishing and ability to find space in the box make him a constant threat to opposition defences. His partnership with Goduine Koyalipou, who is expected to lead the line, could be crucial in breaking down Lille’s backline.

In midfield, Branco van den Boomen stands out as a key playmaker for Angers. His vision and passing range are vital for transitioning the team from defence to attack, and his ability to deliver precise set-pieces could prove decisive. Defensively, Ousmane Camara and Jordan Lefort provide stability, with Camara’s strength in aerial duels and Lefort’s tackling proficiency crucial in thwarting Lille’s attacking threats.

Expected lineup for Angers

• Goalkeeper: Herve Koffi
• Defenders: Marius Courcoul, Ousmane Camara, Jordan Lefort, Jacques Ekomie
• Midfielders: Haris Belkebla, Branco van den Boomen, Louis Mouton, Lilian Rao-Lisoa, Yassin Belkhdim
• Forward: Goduine Koyalipou

Angers Tactics and Formation

Angers Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Goduine Koyalipou
• Midfield Pivot: Haris Belkebla and Branco van den Boomen
• Defensive Strength: Consistent clean sheets, with three in their last five matches.
• Notable Strategy: Utilises compact defence and quick transitions to counterattack.

Angers employ a 4-2-3-1 formation, providing a balanced structure between defence and attack. Haris Belkebla and Branco van den Boomen serve as the midfield pivot, offering both defensive cover and playmaking capabilities. The presence of Louis Mouton and Lilian Rao-Lisoa in advanced midfield roles supports Goduine Koyalipou as the focal point of their attack.

Defensively, Angers boast a solid backline with Marius Courcoul and Ousmane Camara centralising their efforts alongside full-backs Jacques Ekomie and Jordan Lefort. Their recent form has been commendable, with three clean sheets in the last five games, showcasing their defensive resilience.

Offensively, Angers rely heavily on quick transitions and counterattacking play. This strategy is particularly effective when they regain possession in midfield, allowing them to exploit spaces left by opponents. Despite a recent 2-0 loss to Lorient, their tactical discipline remains a key aspect of their play.

Lille Analysis & Past Performance

Lille’s recent form has been inconsistent, with one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five matches. Their most recent outing was a narrow 1-0 defeat against FK Crvena Zvezda in the Europa League, highlighting their struggles to find the net consistently.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Lille	FK Crvena Zvezda	0 – 1 (Loss)	Europa League Knockout Stage	Feb 19, 2026
Lille	Brest	1 – 1 (Draw)	Ligue 1	Feb 14, 2026
Metz	Lille	0 – 0 (Draw)	Ligue 1	Feb 6, 2026
Lyon	Lille	1 – 0 (Loss)	Ligue 1	Feb 1, 2026
Lille	Freiburg	1 – 0 (Win)	Europa League	Jan 29, 2026

Recent Form:

• LDDLW

In terms of attacking prowess, Lille have averaged just 0.40 goals per game over their last five fixtures, indicating a lack of clinical finishing. Defensively, they’ve been relatively solid, conceding only 0.60 goals per game and securing two clean sheets. However, their away form remains a concern, with only one win in their last five away matches, contributing to a win ratio of 20%.

Lille Suspensions & Injuries

Lille will face Angers without several key players due to injuries, which could significantly impact their tactical setup. The absence of Ousmane Toure and Hamza Igamane, both suffering from cruciate ligament injuries, is a blow to the team’s defensive solidity. Additionally, the potential unavailability of Thomas Meunier and Osame Sahraoui, who are struggling with hamstring and groin injuries respectively, may force coach Bruno Génésio to rethink his approach on the flanks.

Alexsandro Ribeiro’s calf injury further complicates matters, potentially affecting the depth in Lille’s defensive line. With these absences, players like Chancel Mbemba and Calvin Verdonk will need to step up and ensure the back line remains robust. The midfield and forward line, however, are largely intact, allowing Lille to maintain their attacking threat.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Ousmane Toure	Cruciate ligament injury	Late April 2026
Hamza Igamane	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for the season
Osame Sahraoui	Groin injury	Late February 2026
Thomas Meunier	Hamstring injury	Late February 2026
Ethan Mbappé	Hamstring injury	Early April 2026
Alexsandro Ribeiro	Calf injury	Early March 2026

Given these injuries, Lille may need to adopt a more conservative approach, possibly reinforcing the midfield to shield the makeshift defence. The impact of these absences on Lille’s betting odds could be significant, as their defensive vulnerabilities might lead to a more open game, potentially benefiting Angers’ attacking strategies.

Lille Key Players

Lille’s offensive threat is spearheaded by Hákon Arnar Haraldsson, the team’s top scorer with five goals this season. Haraldsson’s ability to find the back of the net, combined with his versatile attacking style, makes him a pivotal figure in Lille’s lineup. His presence often draws defenders, creating space for his teammates to exploit. As a playmaker in midfield, his link-up play is crucial for Lille’s tactical setup, facilitating fluid transitions from defence to attack.

In midfield, Benjamin André provides a solid backbone, combining defensive resilience with the ability to initiate attacks. His partnership with Soriba Diaoune is essential in maintaining possession and dictating the tempo of the game. Defensively, Chancel Mbemba’s leadership and tackling prowess will be vital in organising the backline and staving off Angers’ offensive forays. Meanwhile, Matias Fernandez-Pardo, leading the line, offers a physical presence up front, capable of holding up play and bringing others into the game.

Expected lineup for Lille:

• Goalkeeper: Berke Özer
• Defenders: Chancel Mbemba, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Romain Perraud, Calvin Verdonk
• Midfielders: Benjamin André, Soriba Diaoune, Felix Correia, Hákon Arnar Haraldsson, Ngal Ayel Mukau
• Forward: Matias Fernandez-Pardo

Lille Tactics and Formation

Lille Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Matias Fernandez-Pardo
• Midfield Pivot: Benjamin André and Soriba Diaoune
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on possession play and structured build-up.

Lille’s 4-2-3-1 formation provides a balanced approach, allowing for a solid defensive setup while maintaining attacking options. The midfield pivot of Benjamin André and Soriba Diaoune is crucial, offering both defensive cover and the ability to initiate attacks. Hákon Arnar Haraldsson, the team’s top scorer, operates behind the striker, providing creativity and a goal-scoring threat.

Defensively, the pairing of Chancel Mbemba and Ayyoub Bouaddi in central defence aims to offer stability, supported by full-backs Romain Perraud and Calvin Verdonk. This setup has contributed to Lille achieving two clean sheets in their last five matches, indicating a degree of defensive resilience.

Offensively, Lille focus on possession and structured build-up play, leveraging the pace and skill of Felix Correia and Ngal Ayel Mukau on the wings. However, recent injuries to key players such as Ousmane Toure and Alexsandro Ribeiro may necessitate tactical adjustments, particularly in maintaining defensive solidity.

Angers vs Lille Head-to-Head Record

The head-to-head record between Angers and Lille is quite competitive, with Lille slightly ahead with eight wins compared to Angers’ seven, and five matches ending in a draw. In their last meeting, Lille secured a narrow 1-0 victory at home in November 2025, continuing their recent dominance.

When Angers hosted Lille at the Stade Raymond Kopa in April 2025, they suffered a 2-0 defeat, marking a difficult home fixture for them. Historically, Angers have struggled to consistently beat Lille at home, which could be a factor for bettors to consider.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	League	Date
Lille	Angers	1 – 0	Ligue 1	2025-11-02
Angers	Lille	0 – 2	Ligue 1	2025-04-27
Lille	Angers	2 – 0	Ligue 1	2024-08-24
Angers	Lille	1 – 0	Ligue 1	2023-04-08
Lille	Angers	1 – 0	Ligue 1	2022-11-13