Juventus will hope they do not fall into the LOSC Lille giant-killing trap as they visit France to take on the in-form Ligue 1 side.
The form of LOSC Lille in the UEFA Champions League was something barely anyone supporting the club envisaged as they prepare to welcome Juventus to Stade Pierre Mauroy. After an opening matchday loss to Sporting CP, it seemed like the beginning of a terrible run for the French out. But little did anyone foresee what was to come.
A Jonathan David penalty in Lille’s second game against Real Madrid proved enough to collect all three points, and Les Dogues repeated the trick against Atletico Madrid away from home. The Canadian was again on target and scored a brace, while Edon Zhegrova also added his name to the scoresheet as the Ligue 1 outfit recorded yet another famous win.
Lille can argue they have had one of the toughest fixtures in the UEFA Champions League this season alongside RB Leipzig. However, the Ligue 1 giants have come through with flying colours. Their league form also has been decent, as some desirable results have pulled them back into fifth in the standings in France. Bruno Genesio will eye another European heavyweight scalp in the form of Juventus.
Much like Lille, Juventus also has six points to their name after a solid start to their season in all competitions. A solid victory at home over PSV Eindhoven opened the Bianconeri’s account in the Champions League, followed by a stellar game away at Leipzig, where they converted their chances for a 3-2 reverse win.
However, at the third time of asking, Juventus fumbled at home against VfB Stuttgart, handing the visitors all three points. Thiago Motta will be hopeful of a revival against ‘giant hunters’ Lille, with the need for three points growing extremely important in the context of finishing in the top eight.
Back in Italy, Juventus ended a run of two draws with a victory at the weekend over Udinese, which brought them closer to leaders Napoli. However, Motta will focus his total attention on the Champions League battle at hand, as a win seems imperative for the Bianconeri, or else they will come under intense pressure ahead of the next games.
Team News & Tactics
LOSC Lille
Bruno Genesio has to cope with a rather long list of injured stars, with at least nine first-team players missing from action ahead of their Champions League showdown with Juventus. They do have Alexsandro returning from a ban, although there are doubts whether he will cut into the starting lineup.
Genesio will probably keep everyone in the dark about his selections, considering Lille have made the joint-most changes to their lineup with ten. However, one player who is destined to start is Canadian striker Jonathan David, who has six goals in his last eight UEFA Champions League games and a terrific record this season as well.
Angel Gomes will continue his run in the attacking midfield spot behind David, while Edon Zhegrova will feature on the right side of the attack. Benjamin Andre and Ngal’ayel Mukau will play in central midfield, with the back four in place behind them.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Chevalier; Toure, Diakite, Mandi, Gudmundsson; Andre, Mukau; Zhegrova, Gomes, Sahraoui; David
Juventus
Juventus is missing some key starters from the squad, and defensive depth is a big problem for Motta. Federico Gatti and Pierre Kalulu are the likely central defensive options. Nicolo Savona and Andrea Cambiaso.
They are missing Gleison Bremer through a season-ending injury, while fellow Danilo is suspended for this clash. Weston McKennie will partner up with Nicolo Fagioli in central midfield, while Teun Koopmeiners is set to take the attacking midfield berth.
Nico Gonzalez is also absent from the squad, meaning Francisco Conceicao will continue on the right wing, with Kenan Yildiz likely to feature on the left side of the attack. Dusan Vlahovic will lead the line for Juventus, as the Serb will hope to get on the scoresheet and continue his impressive form in the Champions League.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Di Gregorio; Savona, Gatti, Kalulu, Cambiaso; McKennie, Fagioli, Conceicao, Koopmeiners, Yildiz; Vlahovic
Key Stats
- Lille are unbeaten in eight matches in all competitions.
- Lille have won their last two games in the UEFA Champions League.
- Lille have won eight of their nine matches at home in the UEFA Champions League.
- Juventus are unbeaten away from home this season in all competitions.
- Juventus are the only unbeaten team in Serie A this season.
Player to Watch
Jonathan David
This is a game where some of the top professionals will take the pitch. However, at home, Lille star David will have all the spotlight to himself. Having played a starring role in each of their wins over Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, he will have expectations on his shoulders ahead of this big game with Juventus.
David will want to make a mark on the field and probably attract some more suitors with his pedigree in the Champions League. For now, the Canadian will probably not think about a transfer, but he will make sure that Lille continues on their brilliant run in the UEFA Champions League when they take on Juventus.
Prediction
LOSC Lille 2-2 Juventus
This game has all the hallmarks for a draw, as these are two teams in decent form facing each other, although Lille has some more impetus on home soil. They have the momentum in the UEFA Champions League and will want to continue that against Juventus.
Juventus might have lost the last time out to VfB Stuttgart, and Thiago Motta will make sure they do not suffer a defeat on their visit to France. Hence, this game might have goals, and it does appear that, given the two teams’ current form, it will probably end in an entertaining draw.