Liverpool vs Lille Prediction: 21/1/2025

Liverpool have had a quite brilliant start across all competitions so far this season. Their undefeated run that dated back to September 2024 concluded in a heated 1-0 loss against Tottenham in the cup, one where a second leg remains, and in the FA Cup, an in-form Liverpool completely thrashed Accrington with a comfortable 4-0 victory that keeps them right in the running for multiple titles this season. Currently sitting comfortably atop the Premier League by a wide margin ahead of Arsenal, Liverpool has also been in fine form in the Champions League, topping six out of six matches played in the group stages. A win tonight against LOSC will surely seal their fate as group winners.

Lille, currently 5th in Ligue 1 and unbeaten for three and a half months, has recently shown signs of inconsistency with draws against Nantes (1-1) and Auxerre (0-0). These lackluster results led coach Bruno Genesio to criticize some players for their lack of commitment. However, Lille has impressed against top-tier opponents, claiming victories over Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid and earning a draw against Juventus, putting them in a strong position for the knockout stages.

Liverpool get some renewed strength in with returns for Jota, Chiesa – both recent cup scorers, Bradley, and Konaté as only Joe Gomez remains injured. Manager Arne Slot can send out a strong lineup with Alisson in goal and anchored by a central defense pairing of Konaté and Van Dijk. Gravenberch has been an influential midfielder, but the attacking trio of Diaz, Gakpo, and the in-form Salah has been preferred in recent games. Salah, in the best form of his career, has already netted 18 goals and provided 13 assists in 19 Premier League games, alongside two goals and four assists in the Champions League.

Injury wise, Lille does have a few worries; Tiago Santos is out – right-back, Umtiti defender, and youngster Fernandez-Pardo-wing. Midfielder Bentaleb is yet to play this season for Lille because of heart problems. On the flip side, sub midfielder E. Mbappé will be back, while winger key man Zhegrova who scored eight goals across all competitions is fit and will feature in the tie. The attack will be led by key players Diakité, André, and David, the latter being striker Jonathan David of Canada. He has scored 11 in the league so far this season, coupled with four in the Champions League, making him integral to Lille’s campaign.

Prediction

Lille have been poor on the road in recent games, leaking ten goals in their last four matches away from home, coming away with zero points in the process. Liverpool are strong at Anfield, taking ten wins from their last 14 home games, while keeping six consecutive clean sheets. Quality attacks that may perhaps test Liverpool’s defenses are expected from Lille, but the fight should be for Liverpool, with much more fight and firepower.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Lille