Liverpool vs Lille: Key Clash to Secure Direct Advancement and Avoid Playoff Round

Date – 21st January 2025

Venue – Anfield

Kick-off – 20:00

After a thrilling win against Brentford, Liverpool is ready for another match. They are currently on top of both the Premier League and the Champions League. Lille, who are having a solid season in France, will aim to cause an upset. Their manager, Arne Slot, knows that a win here would keep them safe in the standings and avoid a playoff round.

Lille recently secured a 2-1 win over Nice, stretching their unbeaten streak to 21 games. Their recent performances, including a penalty win over Marseille in the French Cup, show they are in good form.

Lille’s Key Players Missing

Lille manager Bruno Genesio will miss several important players, including Samuel Umtiti and Nabil Bentaleb. Despite these absences, Lille has shown resilience this season, currently sitting eighth in the Champions League standings with 13 points from six matches.

Here’s how Lille might line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation:

• GK: Lucas Chevalier
• RB: Thomas Meunier
• RCB: Bafodé Diakité
• LCB: Alexsandro
• LB: Ismaily
• CM: Benjamin André
• ACM: Hákon Arnar Haraldsson
• CM: André Gomes
• RW: Mitchel Bakker
• CF: Jonathan David
• LW: Rémy Cabella

Liverpool’s Squad Update

Liverpool will be without Joe Gomez due to a hamstring issue. Diogo Jota’s situation is uncertain, but he may be available to join the bench.

In their latest match, Liverpool earned a convincing 2-0 win over Brentford, following a draw with Nottingham Forest and a strong victory in the FA Cup. They have a perfect record in the Champions League with 18 points from six games.

Here’s the expected lineup for Liverpool:

• GK: Alisson Becker
• RB: Conor Bradley
• RCB: Jarell Quansah
• LCB: Virgil van Dijk (c)
• LB: Andy Robertson
• CM: Wataru Endō
• ACM: Harvey Elliott
• CM: Curtis Jones
• RF: Federico Chiesa
• CF: Darwin Núñez
• LF: Luis Díaz

Match Predictions

As Liverpool looks ahead to another match against Ipswich Town, they might rotate some players to keep the squad fresh. Expect Darwin Núñez and Federico Chiesa to shine again. Jonathan David will be the key player for Lille, but it’s likely this match will end in a win for Liverpool.

Player to Watch: Federico Chiesa

Prediction: Liverpool 3 – 1 Lille