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Verdict: Both teams to score
Best odds: 5/6
Bookmaker: 888sport
Liverpool can secure their spot in the Champions League round of 16 on Tuesday when they welcome Lille to Anfield.
The Reds lead the league phase, maintaining a flawless record of six wins from six matches, with their most recent triumph being a 1-0 victory over Girona on December 10. Meanwhile, Lille sit eighth with 13 points, holding the final automatic qualification position for the round of 16.
Liverpool
Liverpool managed to keep a clean sheet in their narrow win against Girona, but it was not without a bit of luck as they faced eight shots from inside the penalty area and conceded nearly 1.25 xG while generating less open-play xG than their opponents.
Despite this, the Reds remain the only team in the Champions League with a perfect record of six wins in the league phase, boasting the joint-best defence in the competition, having conceded just once.
Arne Slot’s Lille are already assured of a round of 16 playoff spot and need just one point to secure automatic qualification, though they could still progress even if they lose their final two matches.
Domestically, Liverpool lead the Premier League by six points over Arsenal with a game in hand, following a 2-0 win at Brentford on Saturday, while the Gunners dropped points against Aston Villa.
The Reds’ recent form has been mixed, with two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five games, scoring nine times and conceding four. However, they remain formidable at Anfield, where they are unbeaten in 13 games and have won nine of their last 11 home matches.
Team News
Defender Joe Gomez and forward Diogo Jota are Liverpool’s confirmed absentees for Tuesday’s clash.
Head coach Arne Slot is unlikely to take risks with players like Ibrahima Konate, given his history of injuries, which could see Wataru Endo partnering Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defence.
Luis Diaz could lead the attack in the absence of Jota, flanked by Mohamed Salah and Federico Chiesa, though the role could be filled by Darwin Nunez as well, after the Uruguay international scored a late brace to secure the three points at Brentford on Saturday.
Harvey Elliott, following his own impactful cameo against Brentford, may earn a start in an advanced midfield role, potentially alongside Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch in the middle of the park.
Lille
Lille edged Sturm Graz 3-2 in their last Champions League outing on December 11, narrowly avoiding a collapse after squandering a 2-0 lead. Hakon Arnar Haraldsson’s decisive goal in the 81st minute secured the win.
Currently third in Ligue 1 with 32 points from 18 games, Lille occupy the league’s final automatic Champions League qualification spot for the 2025-26 season.
Under Bruno Genesio, Lille have lost just once in six Champions League fixtures and are unbeaten in their last five, winning four. Their impressive form extends across all competitions, remaining unbeaten in 21 consecutive matches, with 12 victories during this streak.
Les Nordistes have also been strong on the road, winning two and drawing one of their last three away games. They have not suffered an away defeat since September 2024, a streak spanning 11 matches.
Team News
Lille will have to cope without defender Tiago Santos for the remainder of the season, while Samuel Umtiti remains sidelined until late January.
A likely defensive setup includes Thomas Meunier, Bafode Diakite, Alexsandro Ribeiro, and Ismaily. In midfield, a double pivot of Benjamin Andre and Ayyoub Bouaddi is expected, with Ethan Mbappe and Nabil Bentaleb unavailable.
In attack, Genesio may deploy Mitchel Bakker, Remy Cabella, and Osame Sahraoui supporting striker Jonathan David, as forwards Edon Zhegrova and Mathias Fernandez-Pardo are also ruled out.
Conclusion
Though Liverpool might appear slightly unsettled if changes are made to the lineup that triumphed over Brentford, the passionate Anfield atmosphere should provide the push they need to secure victory.
That said, Lille’s impressive recent form suggests they won’t be easy opponents. The French side could cause moments of frustration for the home crowd, but they may ultimately fall short against Liverpool’s quality and resilience.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best odds: 5/6
Bookmaker: 888sport
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