A disappointing opening to the Champions League has left Bologna battling for points at the wrong end of the standings if they are to progress through to the next round. The Italian side is yet to win in four matches this season, and they are the only team in the tournament yet to find the back of the net.
The traditional 4-2-3-1 formation will be deployed once again this week, with Remo Freuler and Tommaso Pobega forming the important defensive midfield pivot.
Bologna’s struggles in the final third have been well-documented throughout the season, as they have scored just eleven goals from 114 shots to accumulate an xG of 11.53.
They are most dangerous from corners, scoring three goals from an xG of 2.40. Dan Ndoye will be a key player missing this week due to a leg injury, meaning that Santiago Castro will continue to deputise in the number nine position.
Ligue 1 side Lille will be confident of securing their place in the next round of the Champions League, as they currently sit in the playoff positions. They come into this week after avoiding defeat in their last three, winning twice over that period.
Bruno Genesio will keep faith with the 4-2-3-1 formation that has worked to great effect in the competition, with Lille switching to effectively a 4-5-1 when they are out of possession. Lille’s attacking threat is evident from their xG metric of 16.81, and they have scored 16 goals from open play.
Importantly, they are also good at defending setpieces, allowing an xGA of just 1.03 from corners and failing to concede in France this term. Lille will be without Andre Gomes, Tiago Santos, and Ethan Mbappe this week, but Angel Gomes will be fit enough to start in the midfield.
Bet hereBologna’s lack of scoring threat makes them a dangerous selection at 2.45 this week. Therefore, it could be worth keeping faith with Lille, who have already enjoyed positive results against Juventus, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid this season.
Their possession-based style will ensure that they will dictate the game, and they have the quality in the forward areas with the likes of Edon Zhegrova and Jonathan David to make the decisive moments.
Their overall record in the group stage also deserves plenty of respect before making a Bologna vs Lille prediction, as they have lost just once in eight group stage matches in the Champions League.
Canadian international Jonathan David has been the standout man for Lille in front of goal. David has scored seven in 12 league matches this term, and is out-scoring his xG of 6.26. The striker averages 2.79 shots per match, and his ruthless streak could be the difference between these two sides on Wednesday.
Alternatively, Lille’s discipline could see them pick up more cards. The Ligue 1 team averages 2.33 cards per game, and that average rises to 2.50 in away matches. Meanwhile, the Italian side averages just 1.58 cards per game and has had under 4.5 cards in 67% of their matches this season.
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