Ligue 1 leader Lille host Dutch Eredivisie leader Ajax on Thursday night in a massive Europa League first leg last 32 tie. Les Dogues head into the game unbeaten in their last eight matches in all competitions. Six of those game finished in wins.
Ajax go into the game on a similar great run of form. Erik ten Haag’s team are unbeaten in their last 13 matches in all competitions. Eleven of those 13 games ended in victory for the reigning Dutch champions.
We've scored some goals in France before...🇫🇷📌#UEL #lilaja— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) February 16, 2021
We've scored some goals in France before...🇫🇷📌#UEL #lilaja
These teams met twice last season in the Champions League group stage. Ajax won both matches by a combined 5-0 scoreline. Lille struggled in the 2019-20 Champions League but have fared much better in this season’s Europa League.
Lille finished in second place in Group H on 11 points from 18 possible. Les Dogues finished second behind AC Milan in the group thanks to a matchday 6 shock loss to Celtic.
Ajax join Europa League thanks to finishing third in their Champions League group stage behind Liverpool and Atalanta. The Dutch club struggled to score goals in the group stage in spite of tallying goals galore in the Eredivisie.
Lille’s defence concede an average of just 0.69 per match at home. The team’s defence is its backbone and their last six matches in all competitions finished in clean sheets.
Les Dogues manager Christophe Galtier has just one injury issue heading into the game on Thursday night. Forward Burak Yilmaz is the only player expected to miss the fixture through injury. He is recovering from a calf injury and isn’t due back until later this month.
Yilmaz could be back for the second leg. The good news for Galtier is the form of striker Jonathan David. The Canadian striker has scored five goals in his last six Ligue 1 games and is in fine form.
Ten Haag has just one injury issue as well. Oussama Idrissi is ruled out through illness and isn’t expected back until later this month. Andre Onana is ruled out through suspension after testing positive for a banned substance.
Both teams are in good form but Lille should have the upper hand playing at home. Les Dogues are in good form and should take an advantage from the first leg. David is in fine form and could get on the scoresheet.
Expect a low-scoring game when these two teams meet on Thursday night. A single goal could separate the two sides.