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Lille welcome Galatasaray to the Decathlon Arena – Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Wednesday evening for a UEFA Champions League league-phase encounter between two sides seeking their first points of the campaign.
Both teams have performed well in their domestic competitions, but have struggled in Europe, losing their opening two matches of this UCL campaign.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Lille vs. Galatasaray key stats
- Lille's opening two Champions League matches have produced five goals conceded.
- Galatasaray have conceded seven goals across their first two league-phase fixtures.
- Both teams have scored in both of Galatasaray’s UCL matches.
- Galatasaray have kept just one clean sheet in their last four competitive games.
- Lille’s last five home UCL matches saw both teams score.
Lille vs. Galatasaray preview: Who will record their first set of UCL points?
Lille vs Galatasaray — Tale of the Tape
| Lille | vs | Galatasaray |
|---|---|---|
| 4th | Position | 1st |
| 14 | Points | 19 |
| 10 | Goals For | 17 |
| 5 | Goals Against | 11 |
| 4 | Clean Sheets | 2 |
| 4th (H) | Home / Away Rank | 2nd (A) |
Lille return to Champions League action looking to recover from their disappointing defeat at Arsenal in a game the French side competed reasonably well during the first half but struggled to contain the hosts after the interval, conceding three times as Arsenal took control.
The result followed a 3-2 home defeat to Real Betis in their opening league-phase match, leaving the French side without a point after two fixtures.
Those European results have been frustrating for a side whose domestic performances have offered more encouragement, with Lille sitting fourth in Ligue 1 with 14 points, same points as league leaders Lyon.
The Mastiffs played a 1-1 draw with Brest last weekend, and despite the failure to win, they extended their home run in the league to four matches, with two wins and two draws.
The home side will also be encouraged by playing at the Decathlon Arena – Stade Pierre-Mauroy given their current streak there, though the picture is bleak when it comes to Europe, where they have lost their last three home games.
Tiago Santos remains unavailable after suffering a serious knee injury, while Ethan Mbappe is suspended.
Ayase Ueda is a doubt with a foot problem, and goalkeeper Berke Ozer has also been listed as doubtful.
Galatasaray, meanwhile, arrive in France after picking up a 1-0 win over Gencerlibiligi in the Turkish Super Lig, thanks to a late goal by Deniz Gul.
The result followed a disappointing 4-1 loss at home to Barcelona, a game where the Turkish champions took the lead but were unable to maintain their advantage, conceding four times as Barcelona took control.
That defeat followed a 3-1 loss away to Sporting CP, leaving Okan Buruk's side with no points from their opening two Champions League fixtures.
Rafael Leao is expected to miss the match with a groin problem, while Wilfried Singo remains a doubt because of a thigh injury.
Those potential absences could affect Galatasaray's attacking options and defensive balance, though Victor Osimhen being back in the side brings more threat in attack.
The two clubs have no previous competitive meetings, but while the hosts are unbeaten across their last six European games against Turkish opponents (W2, D4), the visitors have won just one of their last 11 away fixtures against French sides (D2, L8), failing to score in each of the last four (D2, L2).
Lille vs. Galatasaray form guide & betting tips
| Lille | vs | Galatasaray |
|---|---|---|
LWWLD |
Form | LDWLW |
| 5 | Goals For | 8 |
| 7 | Goals Against | 12 |
LL |
UEFA Champions League | LL |
Whispers predicts: Lille 2-1 Galatasaray
Lille are available at around 2.20 to win (6/5) and have the advantage of playing at home. Their European campaign has started poorly, but the defeat to Arsenal came against strong opposition, and they will see this fixture as an opportunity to get their first points on the board.
Both teams to score is priced at 1.57 (4/7), while over 2.5 goals is available at around 1.65 (13/20), and both are solid picks given both side’s defensive vulnerabilities and quality in attack.
A 2-1 victory for Lille is the prediction, and that is priced at 8.50 (15/2).
> Both teams to score – Yes at 4/7 (1.57) | Likelihood: High
> Over 2.5 goals at 13/20 (1.65) | Likelihood: High
> Lille to win at 6/5 (2.20) | Likelihood: Medium
> Correct score: Lille 2-1 Galatasaray at 15/2 (8.50) | Likelihood: Low