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Lille will kick off their Europe Conference League campaign at home, at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Wednesday when they entertain visitors Olimpija Ljubljana, with kickoff slated for 14:30GMT.

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Key Highlights

Lille’s Mixed Domestic Form Heading into their Europe Conference League Opener

Lille warmed up for the clash against Olimpija in the Europa Conference League Group stage with a 2-2 draw away to Rennes on Saturday.

Paulo Fonseca and his charges took the lead in the 33rd minute through Leny Yoro before doubling it through a Bafodie Diakite strike in the 62nd minute. However, Rennes came from two goals down to draw level through goals by Lorenz Assignon in the 74th minute and Ibrahim Salah in the 89th minute.

Paulo Fonseca will look to address their inability to hold on to the lead, throwing a two-goal lead to take a point in a match that had controlled with possession and shots on goal.

The draw at Rennes encapsulates Lille’s form this season. They have won twice, drawn twice, and lost once. Paulo Fonseca’s men have collected eight points and lie 5th on the table, 3 points off the pace. They have scored seven goals and conceded seven times. 

Ahead of hosting Olimpija, Paulo Fonseca will look to fix the defensive frailties that his side have shown in recent matches. This will allow them to be robust in their approach and give them a chance to win at home.

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Olimpija’s Fight for Top Spot in the SNL

Olimpija warmed up for the trip to Lille on Wednesday with a 2-1 home win over Maribor. The win was their second consecutive one in the SNL as they look to overhaul leaders Celje early in the SNL season.

In the opening 7 matches of the SNL season, Olimpija have won five times and lost twice. In this run, they scored a league-high 20 goals, highlighting their potency in the final third.

However, Olimpija have also conceded 13 goals, the second highest in the league. This highlights their core challenge this season. Although their attack has retained significant potency, their defending phase has been lacking as they have let in too many goals.

Going into the match against Lille in the Europe Conference League, Olimpija will look to gain a robust balance to their team. Getting the best balance between their defensive and attacking phases will give them the platform to get something out of the clash in France on Wednesday.

Injury Report

Lille

Lille will have to do without the services of center-back Tiago Djalo. The 23-year-old is sidelined with a cruciate ligament rupture. He is a long-term absentee for Lille, as he has missed 19 matches since he was injured.

Paulo Fonseca will have the rest of the squad available for selection in the clash against Olimpija on Wednesday.

Olimpija Ljubljana

Olimpija did not report fresh injuries leading up to the trip to Lille. 

The manager, João Alexandre Oliveira Nunes Henriques, will have access to the full complement of his squad, which will give him the leeway to choose the best side to face Lille on Wednesday.

Possible Lineups

Lille

L. Chevalier; Ismaily, S. Umtiti, L. Yoro, B. Diakite; A. Gomes, B. Andre; I. Cavaleiro, R. Cabella, Y. Yazici; J. David

Olimpija Ljubljana

A. Muhamedbegovic, A. Doffo, I. Posavec, R. Pedro, D. Pinto, M. Ratnik, M. Vidovsek, D. Sualehe, J. Silva, P. Lucas, N. Motika

Prediction

Lille will look to bounce back to winning ways; they will start fast and look to play on the front foot.

Olimpija will be compact and pragmatic in their approach. They will look to attack on the counter and catch Lille off their shape.

Lille will have enough to win the match at home and get off to a winning start.

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