Lille and Feyenoord are both unexpected contenders for a top-eight spot in the Champions League, currently tied on 13 points and closely trailing Bayer Leverkusen in eighth place based on goal difference.
A crucial win for either team in this match at Lille could thrust them into the race for an automatic spot in the last-16 of the tournament.
Team news
In this upcoming game, Lille will be without Benjamin Andre and Aissa Mandi due to suspensions, and they also have five players sidelined with injuries, including Samuel Umtiti and Nabil Bentaleb.
On the other hand, Feyenoord have four players out with injuries and uncertainties surrounding Quilindschy Hartman and Hwang In-Beom.
The stats
Lille have successfully won four out of their five matches at home in this season’s Champions League.
While Feyenoord remains unbeaten in their European away games, they have given up numerous opportunities as indicated by an xG Against total of 6 in their three away matches in the competition.
Feyenoord's recent track record includes losses to Utrecht and PSV Eindhoven in their last five games, securing only two wins during that period.
Meanwhile, Lille has triumphed in four of their last six Champions League matches, with both teams scoring on five occasions. Additionally, in five of Feyenoord's previous six European games, both teams found the back of the net.
Prediction
Both Lille and Feyenoord likely aimed for a top-24 finish at the beginning of the season, making their current campaign a success.
Nonetheless, this presents a significant opportunity to break into the top eight, which might not present itself again. Progressing into the last-16 would not only lighten their fixture load but also offer a substantial reward for both teams.
Lille seems to have a stronger position in this encounter, especially considering they have won four of their last five home matches. Furthermore, they have emerged victorious in all but one of their home games in the Champions League this season, including a victory over Real Madrid.
On the other hand, Feyenoord's success appears less reliable, having faced some teams at opportune moments this season. Although unbeaten in visits to Girona, Benfica, and Manchester City, the Dutch side has conceded 6.0 Expected Goals in those matches.
Feyenoord has shown vulnerabilities defensively and is currently experiencing a rough patch with losses to PSV Eindhoven and Utrecht in their recent results.
While Feyenoord may still find the net, with both teams scoring in five of their last six matches, Lille can capitalize on the chances given away by the visitors. In addition, both teams have demonstrated their ability to score in the Champions League.