Chateauroux and Lorient opened the new 2018/19 Ligue 2 campaign with 0-0 draws. Chateauroux’s happened on the road against a Clermont side which finished 6th last season, while Lorient’s goalless draw happened at home versus Le Havre, last season’s 4th-placed team. Considering the strong opposition, both teams were likely happy to go past round one unscathed.
Chateauroux vs. Lorient Head-to-Head
This is a matchup of two clubs which were separated by two points when all was set and done in 2017/18. Each of them won the home leg quite confidently, with Lorient defeating Chateauroux 3-0 at Stade du Moustoir, before Chateauroux returning the favour with a 3-1 victory at Stade Gaston Petit.
Chateauroux and Lorient pre-season results
Chateauroux’s pre-season was short but successful, as the club won both of its friendlies against Grenoble and Orleans. Meanwhile, Lorient played a total of four matches, recording two victories against Laval and Angers and losing to Brest and Niort.
Lorient and Chateauroux new season objectives
Lorient’s first team took quite a hit in the off-season, as two of the best players changed shirt colours when Matteo Guendouzi was recruited by Arsenal and Majeed Waris was captured by Porto. Denis Bouanga also left in order to join newly-promoted Nimes Olympique. The departures significantly reduce the club’s chances of returning to the top flight. Lorient was relegated in 2016/17 following an 11-year stay in Ligue 1.
Chateauroux’s situation is a bit different. The club played its only Ligue 1 campaign back in 1997/98, so their objectives are far less demanding.
Chateauroux vs. Lorient prediction and players to watch
Considering their first-round displays, it’s quite possible we see another low-scoring draw again. Lorient might be the favourite based on reputation, but the reality is these teams are pretty balanced on the field.
Christophe Mandanne and Matthew Barthelme are the potential difference-makers for the home team, whereas 21-year-old Yoane Wissa, who missed a penalty last weekend but was also Lorient’s top goalscorer last season, he is by far the visitor’s player to watch. Gaetan Courtet might have a saying in the final outcome as well.
