The Reds are a force to be reckoned with at Anfield, while Lille have struggled away from home. We predict a victory for the home side.
Match info: UEFA Champions League
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Date: Tuesday, 21st January 2025
Time: 9 pm Nigerian time
On Tuesday, Liverpool can confirm their place in the Champions League round of 16 when they host French side Lille at Anfield.
The Merseysiders are first in the league phase, and their 1-0 win against Girona on December 10 ensured that they maintained their perfect record of six victories from six. Lille are eighth with 13 points and currently occupy the final automatic qualification spot for the round of 16.
Head-to-head:
- Both teams have never cased each other in the UEFA Champions League before.
- They met in the UEFA Europa League, and both teams won on their home turf.
- Only two French teams have won away to Liverpool in European competitions.
- Liverpool have won each of their last 10 group phase/league phase UCL games at Anfield.
- Liverpool are top of the UCL group phase.
- Lille sit 8th on the log.
Form:
- Liverpool in all competitions: D-L-W-D-W
- Lille in all competitions: W-D-D-D-W
Team News:
- For Liverpool, Diogo Jota remains doubtful with a knock, and Joe Gomez remains out due to a hamstring injury.
- Lille will miss Edon Zhegrova, Ethan Mbappé, Mathias Fernandez-Pardo, and Nabil Bentaleb, all sidelined. Samuel Umtiti (knee) is also out but could return soon.
Player(s) to watch:
- Mohamed Salah is the star man, as it is pretty difficult to watch out for any other player when the Egyptian King is gracing the field. Salah has been amazing this season across the competitions, and Liverpool’s dominance is only solidifying his chances of early Ballon d’Or shouts (though many games remain). He has already contributed to 38 goals this season so far.
- Jonathan David is the man to keep an eye on as Lille’s goal machine. With 17 goals and five assists this season, the Canadian forward is lethal in the box. Liverpool’s defense will have their hands full if Lille bring the heat. David’s clinical finishing can shake up the Reds.