Lille and Fenerbahçe will lock horns in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier on Tuesday, with an unusual twist to the proceedings. Due to the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics, the match will be hosted at the Stade du Hainaut, home of Valenciennes FC, rather than Lille’s traditional Stade Pierre-Mauroy home ground.
Playing at what is technically neutral territory could potentially disrupt Lille’s impressive home record of scoring in a remarkable 24 consecutive matches. However, with both teams demonstrating defensive vulnerabilities in recent outings, we could see a high-scoring affair with goals at both ends.
A potential spanner in the works for Lille could be the fitness of star striker Jonathan David, who is likely to start on the bench following his return from Copa America. Nevertheless, the French side will enter the match with confidence, given their unbeaten record against Fenerbahçe from their two previous encounters in the 2010/11 Europa League group stage, with the hosts securing a 2-1 win at home and a 1-1 draw away.
Fenerbahçe, meanwhile, will approach this game in high spirits after winning their last four matches, including against Lugano in the last Champions League qualifying round. Eden Dzeko’s three goals across two matches in the previous round will further bolster their confidence, with the striker’s excellent form adding to an expectation of a high-scoring game.
Dzeko’s hot streak makes him a tempting bet to find the net anytime at 3.00 odds on 18bet.
Betting Tip: Both Teams to Score (Goal/Goal)
06/08 19:30 Lille – Fenerbahçe Both Teams to Score @ 1.86 (18bet)
Both sides have shown a tendency to score and concede goals in recent fixtures, and we expect that trend to continue on Tuesday.
Lille may not be playing at their traditional home ground, but they’ve scored in 24 consecutive games as the home side.
Additionally, with Fenerbahçe’s red-hot form in the qualifiers and Dzeko’s goalscoring exploits, the visitors should be more than capable of breaching a Lille defence that gives up its fair of chances.
Given the attacking flair and defensive shortcomings of both teams, our betting tip for this match is Both Teams to Score (Goal/Goal) @ 1.86 on 18bet.
Lille vs Fenerbahçe - Both Teams to Score (Goal/Goal) @ 1.86
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