FRENCH football expert and betting aficionado Gary Clarke (@Gaz_Tips) has joined the WLB stable for 2017/18. Here Gary shares his views on Sunday's contest between Lille and Nantes.
Lille v Nantes | Sunday 6th August 2017, 14:00 | BT Sport
Lille have spent big money this off-season, however there is no doubt that their most impressive capture of all was that of head coach, Marcelo ‘El Loco' Bielsa.
Les Dogues have recruited well; bringing in Nicolas Pepe from Angers, a good player who featured in the French Cup final against PSG. A few Brazilians have also arrived with burgeoning reputations.
Nantes also new coach in situ, a certain Claudio Ranieri. Yes what Ranieri achieved at Leicester was remarkable but this is a totally different kettle of fish.
The Canaries have been quite quiet in the transfer market and after finishing seventh last term this could be a bit tougher. Last season’s boss Sergio Conceicao was a superb manager and he's landed himself the Porto hot-seat, rather deservedly.
Lille looked very good against Rennes last weekend in a 4-2 win – they attacked better than I've seen them in years.
Yes, it was only a friendly but they played with a purpose not seen for a long time at the Stade Pierre Mauroy and they look solid at 147/100 (Marathon) to kick-off their campaign with a positive result.
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Lille v Nantes – Lille to win (141/100 Marathon)
