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St Etienne defender Albin Ebondo believes the team have learned their lesson from a humbling defeat to Lille last time out as they bid to get their chase for European football back on track against Lorient.

Les Verts went down 3-0 to Lille last week, falling five points off the pace in the battle for fourth place.

Ebondo admitted they were outclassed, but believes the experience can benefit them in the long term.

"Lille were stronger than us," he told the club's website.

"At every level, Lille have greater means and higher ambitions than us at this time. They played like the champions of France.

"But this can inspire us to reach that level too. We are still a young team. It is from matches like this, away to the champions of France, that we learn."

The cold snap affecting much of Europe could yet hit tomorrow's game, but with the covers on at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard and ground staff doing all they can to look after the pitch, it should be fine to go ahead.

Whether his team-mates are able to play or not, Florent Sinama-Pongolle will not be in action for St Etienne after suffering a muscle injury that will sideline him for two weeks.

Lorient come to town only two places below their opponents in the league but seven points adrift, and reeling from their Coupe de la Ligue semi-final defeat to Lyon.

"We will try to turn this disappointment into greater ambition," said coach Christian Gourcuff.

"We need to find a new momentum."