Lille and PAOK are set to face off in a Europa League clash at Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Thursday. This match marks PAOK’s first visit to Lille as they look to secure their first victory in this season’s group stage.
Lille’s Strong Position in the Europa League
Lille stands out in this tournament with a 100% record after two matchdays. They recently defeated Roma 1-0, showcasing their strong defensive play. Although Lille has faced challenges in their domestic league, they enter this match on a three-game unbeaten run across all competitions.
- Recent domestic victory: 2-0 against Nantes
- Previous Europa League win: 2-1 against Brann
- Home unbeaten streak: 14 consecutive home group stage matches
Historical Performance Against Greek Teams
Lille holds an impressive record against Greek teams, having won both of their previous home matches against Olympiacos and AEK Athens, with a score of 3-1 in both. Furthermore, they have not conceded a goal in the first half of their last three home group matches in this competition.
PAOK’s Struggles and Recent Form
PAOK has had a rocky start in the Europa League, currently sitting with just one point. Their last match ended in a disappointing 3-1 loss to Celta Vigo. However, domestically, they have shown more resilience, winning their last two matches and holding a narrow lead in the Super League.
- Super League position: First place after seven matches
- Last domestic win: 2-1 against Olympiacos
Challenges for PAOK
PAOK will be looking to break their away match curse in the Europa League, having not won an away game since October 2018. This match will also be their first opportunity to gain points in France since a 3-3 draw in 1973.
Team News Ahead of the Match
Lille’s Injury Concerns
Lille may face challenges with injuries, as Alexsandro is expected to miss the match due to a muscle strain. Nabil Bentaleb and Ngal’ayel Mukau are also doubtful for the game. Key players like Ousmane Toure and Marc-Aurele Caillard are unavailable due to long-term injuries.
PAOK’s Possible Lineup Changes
On the PAOK side, midfielder Dimitris Chatsidis is questionable due to injury, while goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka has an adductor problem. The team has recently shuffled their lineup, introducing new players including Joan Sastre and Mady Camara.
Predicted Outcome
In this matchup, Lille is favored to secure a 1-0 victory over PAOK. While PAOK might adopt a defensive strategy, Lille’s recent form and home advantage could be decisive in determining the outcome.
| Team | Recent Form |
|---|---|
| Lille | 3 matches unbeaten |
| PAOK | 2 consecutive wins |
