LILLE have become Champions League regulars in the last couple of decades but face a tricky final hurdle against Czech giants Slavia Prague as they bid to reach the group stage this season.
The French side will certainly be battle ready after seeing off Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce in a controversial third-round qualifier. Lille won 3-2 on aggregate but only thanks to a VAR penalty in the dying stages of extra time, with Mourinho raging at the officials after the game.
Slavia Prague had a more comfortable passage into the play-off round as they defeated Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise home and away for a 4-1 aggregate triumph.
I thought the Czechs might grab a goal on the break late on in the second leg as the Belgians pushed forward and that's how it panned out as Vaclav Jurecka sealed the deal six minutes from time.
That 1-0 win shows Slavia Prague know how to grind out results on the road so it won't be easy for Lille as they seek to claim a first-leg advantage in France.
How the bookies view it: Lille favourites to reach the groups
Lille are hot favourites to qualify at 1/2 with Bet365 while Betfred price them at just 7/10 for a first-leg win at home. Slavia Prague are 6/4 to win the tie and the odds increase to 18/5 for a victory in France. A first-leg stalemate pays 13/5.
Head to head: French side dominant so far
These sides have faced off just once before – in the Europa League group stage back in 2009. Slavia Prague will be hoping those games aren't an omen as they crashed 5-1 at home then followed it up with another 3-1 defeat in Lille.
Players to watch: David's a last-action hero
Jonathan David was the man who made the difference against Fenerbahce, netting from the spot to take them through. He followed that up with another late goal against Reims at the weekend and looks the best bet for anytime scorer once that market is priced up.
Tomas Chory's double in the first leg against Union Saint-Gilloise was key to taking Slavia Prague through and he will offer a threat to Lille. The Czech international should be a decent price for a goal once the odds are marked up.
Probable line-ups
Defender Thomas Meunier and star man David started on the bench for Lille in Reims but they were probably being rested and should be in the team for this one after cameos off the bench.
Slavia Prague also made a few changes for their domestic game against Teplice at the weekend but I'd expect the likes of Chory and Lukas Provod to return to the starting line-up.
Slavia Prague: Kinsky, Holes, Ogbu, Boril, Masopust, Prebsl, Dorley, Diouf, Provod, Schranz, Chory
Lille: Chevalier, Gudmundsson, Alexsandro Ribeiro, Meunier, Haraldsson, Gomes, Andre, Tiago Santos, Cabella, David.
Anything else catch the eye?
Slavia Prague defended well in Belgium so they could be a tough nut to crack for Lille. Backing a home win with under 3.5 goals pays 11/8 in a bet builder at Betfred and that looks good value. Increasing that to under 4.5 goals also pays a decent 19/20.
It might take this tie a bit of time to warm up and backing most goals to come after the break pays 11/10.
This UEFA Champions League match between Lille and Slavia Prague will be played on Aug 20, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Lille vs Slavia Prague prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
