Lille primed to fend off big guns

PARIS: Ligue 1 leaders Lille have emerged as surprise French title favourites midway through the season but must be braced for a serious challenge from the traditional powerhouses in the second half of the campaign.

Lille’s rise to the top has been unexpected because “Les Dogues” were last crowned French champions in 1954 and only returned to the top flight 11 years ago.

But during the past decade Lille have shown ambition, taken initiatives and recruited well. The construction of a bigger stadium due to be finished in 2012 should establish them in the top echelons of French football.

The Northerners have been rewarded for their exciting attacking style which has brought them 33 league goals.

Rudi Garcia’s men finished the year with an eight-match unbeaten run in all competitions, a streak including scintillating performances at Caen (5-2) and against Lorient (6-3).

They have found in Moussa Sow the goal-scorer they lacked in previous years and 19-year-old Belgian Eden Hazard is one of the most talented teenagers in Europe. The winger has reportedly attracted interest from leading clubs including Real Madrid and Arsenal.

However, Lille’s limitations have been exposed by fellow title contenders Lyon and Olympique Marseille who both beat them 3-1, their only two defeats of the campaign.

“The second half of the season is going to be just as complicated,” midfielder Yohan Cabaye said. “There are six months left. If we are still in the race in the final stages, of course we will be going for the title.”

Lille have benefited from the big guns’ inability to seize chances to take over. Lille have 32 points, one ahead of Paris Saint Germain, Stade Rennes and Olympique Lyon.

The threat could come from Lyon who have staged an fine comeback after a catastrophic start to the season. The French champions from 2002 to 2008 were in the relegation zone after seven games, but have enjoyed a 12-game unbeaten run inspired by playmaker Lisandro.

Champions Marseille could also challenge in 2011. They have stuttered in their last few weeks, snatching just four points from five games, but are only three points off the pace in fifth.