"Starting with the hosts, while Lille might have enjoyed an eye-catching flurry on either side of opening the New Year, Bruno Genesio's men have come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion. Despite being sat firmly in the driving seat to punch a top-24 spot on Thursday night, the Mastiffs have come under plenty of recent scrutiny. Last seen over the weekend putting in another nightmare display as they slumped to a 4-1 drumming at home against Strasbourg,"
"Limping off in the first-half away at Celta Vigo last week after dislocating his shoulder, Lille will be unable to call upon former Tottenham midfielder Nabil Bentaleb. However, after serving a one-match European suspension over in Spain, 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi will return to Genesio's squad here. Not featuring since the start of December, the Mastiffs will be without ex-Everton star Andre Gomes in midweek. Bagging a consolation strike away against Celta last week, former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud should keep his spot leading the line."
The Europa League group-stage finale takes place at Stade Pierre-Mauroy with Lille hosting Freiburg. Lille have lost five consecutive matches since the New Year, conceding 13 and scoring 3, including a 4-1 home loss to Strasbourg and a 2-1 defeat at Celta Vigo. Nabil Bentaleb is sidelined after dislocating his shoulder, Ayyoub Bouaddi returns from a one-match European suspension, and Andre Gomes remains unavailable since December. Olivier Giroud scored a consolation at Celta and is expected to lead the line. Freiburg secured qualification with a 1-0 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv and can rotate. Verdict: goal in both halves (8/11, Dachbet).
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