Liverpool vs Lille Predictions
Champions League Showdown at Anfield
Liverpool hosts Lille at Anfield in a high-stakes UEFA Champions League clash.. The Reds aim to maintain their perfect record and secure automatic qualification for the Round of 16, while Lille seeks to extend their impressive unbeaten streak and solidify their position in the top eight.
Prediction
Both teams to score, Liverpool to win any half and full time win, over 2.5 goals and Liverpool to score over 1.5 goals.
Data Analysis
xGA (Expected Goals Against): Liverpool has conceded only one goal in six Champions League matches, boasting an xGA of ~0.5 per game. Lille's xGA is higher, reflecting occasional defensive lapses.
Average Possession: Liverpool dominates possession with an average of 60%, while Lille averages around 53%.
Touches in Box: Liverpool records ~25 touches in the opposition box per game, compared to Lille's ~18.
Attack and Defense Stats: Liverpool has scored 15 goals in six games, led by Mohamed Salah's contributions. Lille has been prolific too, with Jonathan David leading their attack with 19 goals this season.
What's at Stake
A win or draw edges Liverpool to automatic qualification for the Round of 16. For Lille, a positive result would strengthen their chances of advancing while continuing their remarkable unbeaten run.
Match Decider
The battle between Liverpool's high-pressing attack and Lille's counter-attacking style will be crucial, the midfield duel, particularly between Curtis Jones and Benjamin Andre, could determine control of the game. Liverpool’s formidable home record at Anfield contrasts with Lille’s impressive unbeaten streak.
Players to Watch Out For
Liverpool:
Darwin Nunez
After his match-winner performance against Brentford, he would be expected to start and shine in this game.
Lille:
Jonathan David
One of the current best strikers
Players Out
Liverpool:
Joe Gomez (hamstring injury); Diogo Jota is doubtful.
Lille:
Tiago Santos, Samuel Umtiti, Ethan Mbappe, Edon Zhegrova, Mathias Fernandez-Pardo.
Probable Lineups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Endo, Van Dijk, Robertson; Jones, Gravenberch; Salah, Elliott, Chiesa; Diaz.
Lille (4-2-3-1): Chevalier; Meunier, Diakite, Ribeiro, Ismaily; Andre, Bouaddi; Bakker, Cabella, Sahraoui; David.
Form
Liverpool: Undefeated in the Champions League this season with six wins but mixed domestic form (two wins, two draws, one loss in last five games).
Lille: Unbeaten in their last 21 matches across all competitions and undefeated in five consecutive Champions League games.
Head-to-Head
Previous Meetings: Two matches in the Europa League (2009/10 season). Liverpool won 3-1 on aggregate.
Lille has struggled against English teams historically, winning only one of ten Champions League encounters.
Key Stats
| Metric | Liverpool | Lille |
|----------------------|-------------------|-------------------|
| xGA | ~0.5 | ~1.2 |
| Average Possession | 60% | 53% |
| Touches in Box | ~25 | ~18 |