Borussia Dortmund host Lille in a UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg fixture on Tuesday. The Germans have a solid home record in the competition and should have the edge over the tricky French side, who have looked unconvincing lately.
Dortmund reached the round of 16 after claiming a 3-0 aggregate victory over Sporting Lisbon in the playoffs. The job was completed in the first leg in Portugal as the Germans held out for a 0-0 draw in the second clash.
The Germans have been erratic lately but come into this clash off the back of two straight Bundesliga wins. Niko Kovac's men scored in both halves as they picked up a 6-0 victory over Union Berlin, before a 2-0 triumph at St Pauli last weekend.
Lille earned direct entry into the round of 16 after claiming five wins from their final seven matches in the League phase. Bruno Genesio’s men were rampant in their last Champions League fixture, easing to a 6-1 victory over Feyenoord and scoring in both halves.
Although things appear smooth for Lille, they often struggle on their travels having lost three of their last five away matches in the Champions League. They have also lost three of their last five away matches across all competitions and were beaten 4-1 at PSG in Ligue 1 last weekend.
How the bookies view it: Upper hand for Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund have the upper hand among the bookies, with BoyleSports offering odds of 8/13 for a home win. A victory for Lille is valued at 15/4 while a draw is set at odds of 14/5 by BoyleSports.
Head to head: One European tie
Borussia Dortmund and Lille have only met once in European competition, with both teams facing off during the knockout stage 2001-2002 Europa League. The Germans progressed on the away goals rule after playing out a 1-1 draw in France and holding out for 0-0 scoreline at home.
Players to watch: Dortmund’s prolific attack
Dortmund have impressed going forward this season, led by Serhou Guirassy, who has 10 Champions League goals so far. The striker often has support from Karim Adeyemi and Maximilian Beier and all three men can ensure the Germans produce over 1.5 goals at 4/6 with BoyleSports.
Lille can also hold their own in attack, with Jonathan David scoring eight Champions League goals this season. Chuba Akpom has also impressed since joining in January and both men can produce over 0.5 goals for the visitors at 1/2 with BoyleSports.
Probable line-ups
Julian Brandt and Felix Nmecha are the only major absentees for Borussia Dortmund, with both men sidelined with injury. Guirassy should lead the line once again while Nico Schlotterbeck is expected to start at the heart of the defence.
Tiago Santos, Edon Zhegrova and Samuel Umtiiti are all ruled out with injury for Lille. Akpom and David are forming a good understanding and should continue in attack while Bafode Diakite is set to feature in defence.
Borussia Dortmund: Kobel, Ryerson, Schlotterbeck, Can, Bensebaini, Gross, Sabitzer, Beier, Reynard, Adeyemi, Guirassy
Lille: Chevalier, Gudmundsson, Diakite, Ribeiro, Meunier, Haraldsson, Andre, Bouaddi, Mukau, Akpom, David
Anything else catch the eye?
Borussia Dortmund and Lille boast plenty of quality in attack and both teams can be backed to score at 8/11 with BoyleSports. The Germans have seen over 3.5 goals in two of their last three Champions League home matches and a repeat is priced at 19/10 by BoyleSports, who are also offering odds of 8/11 for over 2.5 goals.
Both teams have a habit of scoring in both halves and a similar outcome could be on the cards here at 7/10 with BoyleSports. Dortmund are priced at minimal odds for a straight victory so a win and both teams to score can be considered at 12/5 with BoyleSports.
This UEFA Champions League match between Borussia Dortmund and Lille will be played on and kick off at 21:00. Check below for our tipsters best Borussia Dortmund vs Lille prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
