Preview: Lille vs. KI Klaksvik - prediction, team news, lineups

sportsmole.co.uk, 12 December 2023, 11:38
Lille will look to finish the Europa Conference League group stage as the winners for Group A, potentially requiring three points to ensure that.

They will host KI Klaksvik on Thursday night, with the visitors simply playing for pride as it is mathematically impossible for them to progress.

Match preview

With a 13-match unbeaten streak in all competitions behind them, Lille should head into Thursday's fixture in the Europa Conference League as they aim to win Group A.

The French outfit are yet to lose in the group stage, having won three and drawn twice, but they only sit a single point above Slovan Bratislava.

Paulo Fonseca will want to see his team get over the line and finish top to give themselves an advantage in the knockout stage, but they will need to show more attacking quality than they did at the weekend to guarantee that.

Lille were held to a goalless draw against Clermont Foot during their most recent outing in Ligue 1, but it did mark the fourth game in a row where they were able to keep a clean sheet.

The defensive solidarity that the team has been showcasing is something Fonseca shall be pushing for them to continue, especially due to how important it will be in the next round.

The visitors were unable to find the back of the net the last time that they faced Lille, but they were able to take a point from the game due to it finishing 0-0.

That positive result is something that will give KI Klaksvik confidence heading into this fixture as they will be well aware that they can secure points to wrap up their season in Europe.

Magne Hoseth's men were defeated 2-1 by Slovan Bratislava during their most recent outing in the Europa Conference League even though Mads Boe Mikkelsen had given them the lead.

KI Klaksvik have only won a single match in the competition this season, which should give them plenty of incentive here to try and wrap things up with a second one.

With the team having no pressure due to the fact they cannot progress to the next stage, there could be a freedom that allows them to potentially provide an upset.

Lille Europa Conference League form:

D

W

D

W

D

W

Lille form (all competitions):

D

D

W

W

W

D

KI Klaksvik Europa Conference League form:

L

D

W

L

L

KI Klaksvik form (all competitions):

L

L

D

W

L

L

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Team News

Lille have several injury problems to contend with for this week as Tiago Djalo on the sidelines right now because of an ACL sprain, while a thigh problem is keeping Ivan Cavaleiro out of action.

After another impressive clean sheet, it is unlikely that Fonseca will be looking to make any alterations, while Jonathan David will be expected to lead the line.

The visitors have been using a 3-4-3 formation as of late, and it is likely that will continue on Thursday night to try and provide the right balance between attack and defence for this fixture.

Mikkelsen will be an attacking option for KI Klaksvik, with Pall Klettskaro also set to play upfront in a bid to cause the French side some problems.

Lille possible starting lineup:

Chevalier; Santos, Yoro, Alexsandro, Gudmundsson; Andre, Gomes; Haraldsson, Yazici, Cabella; David

KI Klaksvik possible starting lineup:

Johansson; Petersen, Faero, Forren; Danielsen, Pavlovic, Andreasen, Da Silva; Frederiksberg, Gussias, Mikkelsen

We say: Lille 2-0 KI Klaksvik

KI Klaksvik might have been able to secure a point when these teams last met, but they will walk into this match as the underdogs.

Lille will be wanting to wrap up the group stage in style, especially due to the fact a win would guarantee they finish top of Group A.

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