Liverpool vs Lille: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Liverpool have a perfect record in this competition, with six wins from six, and the Reds only seek a point for qualification. Liverpool's home record this season has been magnificent since the 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest; the Reds are unbeaten at home in all competitions whilst also recording impressive victories against the likes of Real Madrid (2-0) and Bayer Leverkusen (4-0).

Lille will be no pushovers for this game, as the visitors are unbeaten in their previous 21 games in all competitions and are eighth in the league phase. Goals have been challenging to come by in games involving Lille, with less than 2.5 goals occurring in five of the last six games for the visitors – Liverpool 2-0 Lille

Liverpool host French side Lille in the Champions League, looking to continue their perfect record in the competition and solidify their place at the top.

Date: 21/01/25

Kick-off time: 20:00

Venue: Anfield

A last minute victory against Brentford prevented Liverpool from recording three consecutive Premier League draws, building huge momentum they will take into this game. The result cemented their place at the summit of the table, a position they also hold in the Champions League. With two games remaining in the group phase, they are already all but through to the knockout stages, though a point will likely confirm it. The Reds have won all six of their European games so far, and will be confident in making it seven at home.

Lille are enjoying a solid season in Ligue 1, sitting third in the table. They are also enjoying a positive campaign in Europe, occupying a place just inside the top eight. This is a very important fixture as a loss would almost certainly see them fall into the play-off places. However, they have not tasted defeat in any competition since Matchday One of the Champions League in the middle of September. Three points will only strengthen their chances of advancing automatically.

Goals may be hard to come by for the visitors, who come up against a Liverpool defence who have conceded just once so far in this competition. They also have been inconsistent in front of goal themselves of late, only scoring more than once in a game in just one of their last six in all competitions. However, if they are to threaten, they will look to Jonathan David, who leads them in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League with a total of 15 goals.

At the other end, Lille will have their hands full containing the home side’s attack. Mohamed Salah is obviously the key name to defend, with 20 goals across the two competitions. Darwin Nunez scored a brace last time out so will also come into this fixture with plenty of confidence. Luis Diaz leads the way in Europe with three goals in six appearances. Lille have kept just one clean sheet in the Champions League this season, though that did come against Real Madrid.

These two teams have met just twice before in European history. This took place in a two-legged Europa League tie in 2010. It was at the Round of 16 stage of the competition, which saw Liverpool advance 3-1 on aggregate. They were defeated 1-0 in the first leg on the road, before recording a comfortable 3-0 win at Anfield. Steven Gerrard converted a penalty and Fernando Torres scored a brace on this day.

Liverpool vs Lille will be available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.

Liverpool

Diogo Jota missed out at the weekend with a knock, but the hope is that he will be available for this game. Joe Gomez remains out and should be the only absentee in what is a near fully fit squad for Arne Slot.

Lille

Lille have a few absentees ahead of this game. Samuel Umtiti and Ethan Mbappe have issues that should see them return by the end of this month. Edon Zhegrova is still out for a couple more weeks, while Tiago Santos is out for the rest of the season.

Liverpool:

In their last five games, Liverpool have won two, drawn two and lost one. It has been an inconsistent stretch for Liverpool as they continue to lead the way in the title race. This run started with a 2-2 draw at home to rivals Manchester United. The Reds fell behind shortly into the second half, but goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah turned it around. Amad Diallo scored a late equaliser.

Attention shifted to Carabao Cup semi-final action, and they left themselves with work to do to get into the final as they lost 1-0 in the first leg at Tottenham. Lucas Bergvall netted the winner with four minutes to go. Liverpool advanced to the FA Cup fourth round with a comfortable 4-0 victory against Accrington Stanley. Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jayden Danns and Federico Chiesa were the goalscorers.

Their midweek game saw a crucial top of the table clash at Nottingham Forest, where they were held to a 1-1 draw. Chris Wood gave the hosts an early lead, but Jota ensured the points were shared. Last time out, they travelled to Brentford, where they won 2-0 in dramatic fashion. The game seemed headed for a goalless draw, but substitute Darwin Nunez netted a brace in stoppage time.

Lille:

In their last five games, Lille have won two and drawn three. It has been a solid stretch for Lille which they have come out unbeaten. This run started with French Cup action against lower league opposition in FC Rouen. They dominated possession but only scored once, with Ismaily scoring the winner midway through the first half.

They returned to league action with a 1-1 draw at home to Nantes. Gabriel Gudmundsson gave the hosts the lead, but Matthis Abline converted from the penalty spot to salvage a point for Nantes. Another point followed as Auxerre held them to a goalless draw. Paul Joly’s red card meant Auxerre played most of the second half with 10 men, but Lille were unable to take advantage.

Lille advanced to the last 16 of the French Cup with a penalty shootout win away to Marseille. The game ended 1-1 after 90 minutes after a stoppage time equaliser cancelled out Hakon Arnar Haraldsson’s earlier opener. On Friday night, they beat Nice 2-1 at home. They fell behind in the first half but turned it around through Haraldsson and Bafode Diakite.

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