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The UEFA Champions League group phase reaches a crucial stage as Liverpool host Lille at Anfield on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 20:00 GMT. Liverpool, who have won all six of their matches in the league phase, are looking to secure their place in the round of 16, while Lille are fighting to maintain their position in the automatic qualification spots.

Interesting Fact: Liverpool are the only team in this season’s Champions League to have won all six of their matches, while Lille are unbeaten in their last 21 games across all competitions.

Team Analysis

Liverpool

Liverpool have been in scintillating form in the Champions League, winning all six of their matches and conceding just one goal. Their 1-0 victory over Girona in their last match showcased their ability to grind out results, even when not at their best. Domestically, they are also performing well, sitting six points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Current Form:

• Last 5 matches: 3 wins, 2 draws.
• Last match: 2-0 win over Brentford in the Premier League.

Key Players:

• Mohamed Salah: The Egyptian forward has been in fine form, scoring crucial goals in both the Champions League and Premier League.
• Virgil van Dijk: The defensive stalwart has been instrumental in Liverpool’s strong defensive record.

Injuries/Suspensions:

• Joe Gomez (out, injury).
• Ibrahima Konaté (doubtful, injury).
• Diogo Jota (doubtful, knock).

Home Form:
Liverpool have been dominant at Anfield, winning nine of their last 10 home matches and keeping clean sheets in six of those games.

Lille

Lille have been one of the surprise packages in the Champions League this season, sitting 8th in the table with 13 points. Their 3-2 victory over Sturm Graz in their last match highlighted their attacking prowess, but defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern. Domestically, they are also performing well, sitting third in Ligue 1.

Current Form:

• Last 5 matches: 3 wins, 2 draws.
• Last match: 3-2 win over Sturm Graz in the Champions League.

Key Players:

• Jonathan David: The Canadian striker has been Lille’s standout performer, scoring four goals in the Champions League.
• Remy Cabella: The experienced midfielder provides creativity and leadership in the middle of the park.

Injuries/Suspensions:

• Tiago Santos (out, injury).
• Samuel Umtiti (out, injury).
• Edon Zhegrova (out, injury).

Away Form:
Lille have been strong on the road, with two wins and one loss in their three Champions League away matches this season.

Head-to-Head and Past Encounters

The last meeting between these two sides was in March 2010, when Liverpool secured a 3-0 victory. This will be their first competitive encounter since then, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the fixture.

Prediction

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Liverpool 2-1 Lille

Liverpool’s home advantage and strong record at Anfield make them favorites for this clash. However, Lille’s attacking firepower and unbeaten run in all competitions could see them cause problems for the Reds. Expect a closely contested match, but Liverpool’s quality and experience should see them edge it.

Betting Tips

1. Both Teams to Score: Yes
   • Both teams have shown attacking prowess in recent matches.
2. Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over
   • This fixture has a history of producing goals.
3. Anytime Goalscorer: Mohamed Salah
   • The in-form forward is likely to find the net.

Hot Stat: Liverpool have kept clean sheets in six of their last 10 home matches, highlighting their defensive strength.

Possible Lineups

Liverpool (4-3-3):
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Endo, Van Dijk, Robertson; Jones, Gravenberch, Elliott; Salah, Díaz, Chiesa.

Lille (4-2-3-1):
Chevalier; Meunier, Diakité, Ribeiro, Ismaily; André, Bouaddi; Bakker, Cabella, Sahraoui; David.

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