Atletico Madrid are set to take on Lille in the Champions League on Wednesday, 23 October in what could be a big night at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
Atletico will have been waiting for this match ever since their humbling 4-0 defeat against Benfica in their last Champions League outing and will be desperate to put things right.
Standing in their way is a Lille side that recorded a famous win over Atletico's rivals, Real Madrid, in their last Champions League class. This will be far from easy for Diego Simeone' men.
How the bookies view it: Hosts start as odds-on favourites
Atletico Madrid's big defeat against Benfica hasn't spooked the bookies too much as they still start as firm favourites for this one. Betfred have priced a home win at 4/9 while a win for Lille has been priced at 6/1. The draw, which wouldn't be a huge shock given Atletico have drawn five matches in the league already this season, has been priced 10/3.
Recent head-to-head: A first-ever meeting
This is the first time that Atletico Madrid and Lille have faced off which adds another layer of intrigue to the fixture. Atletico's record against French clubs is impressive with nine wins, five draws and just one defeat from 15 matches. Lille, meanwhile, don't have a good record against Spanish sides – they have won just three of 15 matches.
Players to watch: The big man is coming good for Atleti
Eyebrows were raised when Atletico Madrid spent big money on Alexander Sorloth this summer, particularly when they followed the signing up by dropping more than £80m on Julian Alvarez.
Instantly, questions were asked around how Diego Simeone would get Sorloth and Alvarez both into the starting XI while still retaining a spot for Antoine Griezmann. In truth, these questions still remain but Sorloth himself is at least now looking more like the player they signed from Villarreal.
The big Norweigan netted twice at the weekend, spearheading Atletico's comeback victory over Leganes and should therefore get the nod to start this one.
At the other end, Atletico's tight defence will have to keep a close eye on Jonathan David. The Canadian was responsible for downing Real Madrid before the international break and has scored eight goals in 14 appearances so far this season.
Predicted line-ups
Atletico will be without three important defenders for this one with Robin Le Normand, Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Llorente all out injured. Thomas Lemar could make his long-awaited return.
Lille are also without several players due to injury including Ethan Mbappe and Tiago Santos. On the plus side, Benjamin Andre is available after suspension.
Atletico Madrid: Oblak – Molina, Witsel, Gimenez, Galan – De Paul, Koke, Gallagher – Griezmann, Sorloth, Alvarez
Lille: Chevalier – Meunier, Diakite, Alexsandro, Gudmundsson – Andre, Bouaddi – Zhegrova, Gomes, Cabella – David
Anything else catch the eye?
Don't expect a classic here, especially as Simeone will be doing absolutely everything in his power to prevent another demolition job after the Benfica mauling.
Neither of Lille's two Champions League matches this season have produced more than two goals while the same can be said for four of Atletico's last six in all competitions. Under 2.5 goals to be scored on Wednesday has been priced at 5/6 by Betfred.
This UEFA Champions League match between Atletico Madrid and Lille will be played on Oct 23, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Atletico Madrid vs Lille prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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