While the hosts are sixth in the table, the visitors are in 14th but they have a far better recent record than Montpellier, who have taken just one point from a draw with Valenciennes from the last three games.

Lille, by contrast, beat leaders Bordeaux on their last outing and will not be daunted by a visit to Stade de la Mosson.

Girard is under no illusions but admits he is glad to be back home, where Montpellier have four wins and a draw from their five games this season.

He told the club's official website, www.mhscfoot.com: "Lille are a team that get forward very quickly with a quality midfielder.

"The defence is strong and athletic and although they had a very difficult start they have come back.

"It's a great team. But we are very happy to be back in our garden after this series of three trips.

"I do not fear this match, however, expecting to play at home anxiously.

"This will do us good to regain our fans.

I think we would not have shown signs of nervousness against Valenciennes if we had not lost twice before.

"And we know it is always difficult to play away from home.

"To get the three points at stake, it will be good."