The clash between Lille and Fenerbahce could be considered one of the larger, more enthralling fixtures of the third qualifying round of the Champions League. For the hosts, there have been several important changes, while the guests from Turkey will take the long trip to France filled with hope and on the back of some good recent results.
Lille OSC Team News
This will be Lille’s first official game of the season as the French Ligue 1 is yet to start. The Mastiffs face a tough challenge in Turkish giants Fenerbahce and they will also have to deal with several internal changes. First off, young star Leny Yoro completed a move to Manchester United and is no longer part of the team. Secondly, manager Paulo Fonseca has also departed to take charge of AC Milan in Italy. These 2 pieces of the puzzle were an important part of the team’s solid Conference League campaign last season and judging by the results in their pre-season friendlies (W3, D2, L1) there is still some fluctuation as Lille is yet to find their best form. One notable fact is that the team conceded in 5 of their 6 preparatory games and also scored in 5 as well.
Fenerbahce Team News
Fenerbahce managed to oust Lugano in the second qualifying round with a 6-4 aggregate result that saw the Turkish giants progress further in the competition. Both of their games with the Swiss outfit produced over 2.5 goals and saw goals from either side. But what is more important for Fenerbahce is that they managed to win these 2 battles which were anything but easy, especially the away game in Switzerland. José Mourinho, who in a surprising turn of events took charge of the team during the summer, has several cards up his sleeve – his overall good results in knockout competitions and the fact that Edin Dzeko is on fire, with the striker scoring 4 of the 6 goals against Lugano.
Head-to-Head-Games
Lille and Fenerbahce have previously met one another in 2010 during that year’s Europa League Round of 16. It was the French that triumphed back then after a 2-1 win in France and a 1-1 draw in Turkey.
Lille OSC – Fenerbahce Betting Prediction
I believe that the recent departures of Paulo Fonseca and Leny Yoro will certainly affect Lille. That much can be seen from their friendly games, and while it is still early stages of the season, the French look like a team that is equally prone to both scoring and conceding. Fenerbahce seem to be on a high note with Edin Dzeko leading their attack and the recent arrival of Jose Mourinho giving the effect of ”the new manager”. And while their attack seems potent, their defence is still rather suspect. My expectation for this game is that we will see both teams scoring – given the recent results of both sides, it seems quite plausible.
Betting Tip: Both Teams To Score: Yes
Bookmaker: Sportsbet.io
Odds: 1.89
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