Champions League: Lille vs. Borussia Dortmund Picks — French Side to Upset the Odds? (Mar 12)

We correctly predicted the outcome of the first leg between Lille and Borussia Dortmund, and this week, we could see the French side complete the job back in front of their home fans.

Lille were excellent at Signal Iduna Park in the first leg, and their defensive play deserved a draw from the away clash. Dortmund went ahead early through Karim Adeyemi’s effort, but that was their only shot on target in 90 minutes.

Lille got their deserved equalizer in the final half an hour, and their counter-attacking style of play could make them very difficult to bet against back in front of their own fans on Wednesday.

Odds

Nothing to Separate Sides on H2H Record

For the third straight meeting between Lille and Borussia Dortmund, a draw was played out last week.

Both previous encounters came in the early 2000s, with each match in the UEFA League ending in draws. The previous clash between the sides in France ended in a 1-1 draw.

Lille vs. Borussia Dortmund Key Stats

• Borussia Dortmund extended their unbeaten home sequence in the knockout stage to six matches last week.
• Lille avoided defeat in a knockout stage match of the Champions League for the first time in the first leg.

Lille Team News

Tiago Santos remains a long-term absence for the home side this week. The defender isn’t expected to return until May. Edon Zhegrove is also sidelined.

Possible Lineup

L. Chevalier (GK); T. Meunier, B. Diakite, Alexsandro, M. Bakker, A. Gomes, B. Andre, E. Mbappe, N. Mukau, H. Heraldsson, J. David

Borussia Dortmund Team News

The German visitors will be without Filippo Mane and Soumalia Coulibaly this week. However, Felix Nmecha could be fit enough to return to action.

Possible Lineup

G. Kobel (GK); J. Ryerson, N. Schlotterbeck, E. Can, D. Svensson, M. Sabitzer, P. Gross, K. Adeyemi, J. Brandt, J. Gittens, S. Guirassy

Lille vs. Borussia Dortmund Picks

I was very optimistic that Lille would take something from their first leg against Borussia Dortmund.

That confidence remains this week, as I believe that the French side could go deep into the competition this term. Therefore, I like the chances of a home win in the Champions League this week.