Lille will be looking to continue the perfect start they’ve made to this season’s UEFA Europa League (UEL) against a PAOK team in desperate need of points.
Match News and Current Form
Lille have put themselves in a great position to progress from the league phase, having beaten Brann and Roma 2-1 and 1-0 respectively in their first two outings. Returning to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy here with the momentum of a weekend win away at Nantes will only further boost confidence, as they’ve won eight of their last nine home group stage/league phase matches in Europe (D1), but no wins in their last two home matches domestically may have the Mastiffs’ supporters a little wary (D1, L1).
PAOK’s European campaign, which started in the qualifying stages, saw them lose just one of their first five matches this season while keeping four clean sheets (W2, D2), until a 3-1 loss to Celta Vigo on matchday two which means they have just one point from their two league phase matches. That defeat came despite opening the scoring, and PAOK have responded by winning their two domestic games since, but seven defeats from their last eight away games in the main draw of UEFA competitions (W1) means that there’ll be considerable trepidation in the visitors’ camp.
Head-to-Head History
These sides have never previously met before, but the historical advantage lies with Lille since French sides have won their last nine matches against Greek teams in the UEL, scoring 2+ goals each time.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Just one of Lille’s last nine matches in Europe was decided by a 2+ goal margin.
Eight of Lille’s last ten home European matches saw both teams score.
Nine of PAOK’s last 12 away matches saw both teams score.
PAOK’s last five European group stage/league phase away matches have all been decided by exactly two goals.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Olivier Giroud has netted the last goal of the game in four of his last five scoring outings, all four of which came after the 75th minute. PAOK’s biggest threat could be their scorer against Celta in Georgios Giakoumakis, who has netted six of his last eight goals on the road.
Lille continue without injured defenders Alexsandro and Ousmane Touré, while PAOK might be without first choice shotstopper Jiří Pavlenka again.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
The home side should stamp their authority on this contest early, making the bet of Lille to be winning at both half-time and full-time an attractive one.
Author: Peter Stavrinou
