Verdict: Each groups to attain
Greatest odds: 5/6
Bookmaker: 888sport
Liverpool can safe their spot within the Champions League spherical of 16 on Tuesday once they welcome Lille to Anfield.
The Reds lead the league section, sustaining a flawless report of six wins from six matches, with their most up-to-date triumph being a 1-0 victory over Girona on December 10. In the meantime, Lille sit eighth with 13 factors, holding the ultimate automated qualification place for the spherical of 16.
Liverpool
Liverpool managed to maintain a clear sheet of their slender win in opposition to Girona, however it was not with no little bit of luck as they confronted eight photographs from contained in the penalty space and conceded practically 1.25 xG whereas producing much less open-play xG than their opponents.
Regardless of this, the Reds stay the one crew within the Champions League with an ideal report of six wins within the league section, boasting the joint-best defence within the competitors, having conceded simply as soon as.
Arne Slot’s Lille are already assured of a spherical of 16 playoff spot and want only one level to safe automated qualification, although they might nonetheless progress even when they lose their ultimate two matches.
Domestically, Liverpool lead the Premier League by six factors over Arsenal with a sport in hand, following a 2-0 win at Brentford on Saturday, whereas the Gunners dropped factors in opposition to Aston Villa.
The Reds’ current type has been blended, with two wins, two attracts, and one loss of their final 5 video games, scoring 9 instances and conceding 4. Nonetheless, they continue to be formidable at Anfield, the place they’re unbeaten in 13 video games and have gained 9 of their final 11 dwelling matches.
Staff Information
Defender Joe Gomez and ahead Diogo Jota are Liverpool’s confirmed absentees for Tuesday’s conflict.
Head coach Arne Slot is unlikely to take dangers with gamers like Ibrahima Konate, given his historical past of accidents, which may see Wataru Endo partnering Virgil van Dijk on the coronary heart of the defence.
Luis Diaz could lead on the assault within the absence of Jota, flanked by Mohamed Salah and Federico Chiesa, although the position could possibly be crammed by Darwin Nunez as properly, after the Uruguay worldwide scored a late brace to safe the three factors at Brentford on Saturday.
Harvey Elliott, following his personal impactful cameo in opposition to Brentford, might earn a begin in a sophisticated midfield position, doubtlessly alongside Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch in the midst of the park.
Lille
Lille edged Sturm Graz 3-2 of their final Champions League outing on December 11, narrowly avoiding a collapse after squandering a 2-0 lead. Hakon Arnar Haraldsson’s decisive objective within the 81st minute secured the win.
At the moment third in Ligue 1 with 32 factors from 18 video games, Lille occupy the league’s ultimate automated Champions League qualification spot for the 2025-26 season.
Below Bruno Genesio, Lille have misplaced simply as soon as in six Champions League fixtures and are unbeaten of their final 5, successful 4. Their spectacular type extends throughout all competitions, remaining unbeaten in 21 consecutive matches, with 12 victories throughout this streak.
Les Nordistes have additionally been robust on the street, successful two and drawing one in every of their final three away video games. They haven’t suffered an away defeat since September 2024, a streak spanning 11 matches.
Staff Information
Lille should cope with out defender Tiago Santos for the rest of the season, whereas Samuel Umtiti stays sidelined till late January.
A probable defensive setup contains Thomas Meunier, Bafode Diakite, Alexsandro Ribeiro, and Ismaily. In midfield, a double pivot of Benjamin Andre and Ayyoub Bouaddi is predicted, with Ethan Mbappe and Nabil Bentaleb unavailable.
In assault, Genesio might deploy Mitchel Bakker, Remy Cabella, and Osame Sahraoui supporting striker Jonathan David, as forwards Edon Zhegrova and Mathias Fernandez-Pardo are additionally dominated out.
Conclusion
Although Liverpool may seem barely unsettled if adjustments are made to the lineup that triumphed over Brentford, the passionate Anfield ambiance ought to present the push they should safe victory.
That stated, Lille’s spectacular current type suggests they gained’t be straightforward opponents. The French facet may trigger moments of frustration for the house crowd, however they might in the end fall quick in opposition to Liverpool’s high quality and resilience.
Verdict: Each groups to attain
Greatest odds: 5/6
Bookmaker: 888sport
