Lille vs Sturm Graz Prediction: 11/12/2024

Lille may not be considered one of the top favorites to make the Champions League quarterfinals, but they are still aiming for direct qualification to the Round of 16, bypassing the play-offs. Currently in 12th place with 10 points, Lille is level with Bayer Leverkusen in 6th. Managed by Bruno Genesio, the team has shown solid form despite some challenges. After a 2-0 loss to Sporting, Lille bounced back with victories over both Madrid teams—Real Madrid (1-0) and Atlético Madrid (3-1)—and secured a 1-1 draw against Juventus. They also recently defeated Bologna 2-1. Domestically, Lille is fighting for a top spot in Ligue 1 and will play Montpellier and Brest in the upcoming matches.

Sturm Graz, on the other hand, has a different outlook for their Champions League campaign. With just 3 points, the Austrian club is currently in 29th place and has faced a difficult group stage, losing to Brest, Club Bruges, Sporting, and Dortmund. They did manage a 1-0 win over Girona, but their overall form in the Champions League has been underwhelming. In the Austrian Bundesliga, however, they are performing well and leading the standings. Before facing Lille, Sturm Graz will take on Rheindorf Altach and Wattens.

Lille will be missing several players for the Champions League, including Bentaleb, Umtiti, and André Gomes, who are not registered for the competition. Additionally, right-back Tiago Santos, midfielder Angel Gomes, and substitute Ethan Mbappé are recovering from injuries. Lille’s attack will rely heavily on striker Jonathan David, who has scored 7 goals in Ligue 1 and 4 in the Champions League, along with Zhegrova, who has 4 goals in the league and 1 in the Champions League. Young midfielder Mukau was key to their recent win against Bologna, scoring twice.

Sturm Graz will be without long-term injury victim Borkovic and key players like Goren Stankovic, Sarkaria, and Skern, who are not eligible for the competition. However, striker Camara and goalkeeper Sherpen are expected to return after missing the Girona match. Young Danish striker Biereth, who has 10 league goals, scored the winner against Girona, while Georgian international Kiteishvili, with 6 goals, is another important player.

Prediction

Sturm Graz has been consistent in away matches, with 12 of their last 14 away games having fewer than 3.5 goals. Similarly, Lille’s recent form shows that 15 of their last 18 home games at this level have seen no more than three goals.

Prediction: Lille 1 : 1 Sturm Graz.