In-form Jonathan David leads Lille in Rennes test

Ligue1 1yr ago

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Source:Ligue1

Highlights

Stade Rennais faces LOSC Lille in a crucial match.
Lille has the opportunity to climb to third place.
Jonathan David is finding form with six goals in his last four matches.

Ligue 1 has no shortage of matches with big implications this weekend, and perhaps no match more embodies this than Stade Rennais' trip to face LOSC Lille this evening. After a strong run in the league since the appointment of Julien Stephan, bolstered by January signings Azor Matusiwa and Alidu Seidu, the Breton side's run came to a shuddering halt away at derby rivals Lorient last weekend. On the back of an unceremonious elimination from the Europa League, it was a frustrating result for Stephan's team. However, they must now regroup and prepare themselves for one of the league's strongest sides on home turf. Having lost only once at their home stadium StadePierre Mauroy this season, Lille owes much of its strong position in the race for Champions League places to their impressive performances at home. With Brest losing against Lens recently, there is an opportunity for them to rise as high as third place and increase pressure on Les Pirats before tonight's clash. While Les Dogues are known for their solid defense at home (having conceded just four times all season), it may be their attack that makes all the difference. Striker Jonathan David has been hitting top form lately with twelve goals so far in the league – second only behind Kylian Mbappe – including six goals scored across his last four matches which featured a brace during Thursday’s Europa Conference League win over another opponent: Stade de Reims. David's contributions go beyond being a goal poacher, as he fulfills the tactical demands set by manager Paulo Fonseca despite the challenges posed by their European campaign. Although he was occasionally dropped earlier in the season, there is no doubt that David now enjoys full confidence from his coach. Fonseca recently praised David’s abilities in an interview with l'Equipe: 'The numbers don't lie. I am very demanding of him. But Jonathan isn't just a finisher in the box. He is intelligent, anticipates shots and sees play well.' At only 24 years old, there is still room for growth and experience for this promising Canadian international. If Jonathan David can maintain his current strong form, Lille could secure a place in next year's Champions League competition. A victory against Rennes – considering they are separated by just six points – would significantly contribute to achieving that goal.

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