Celta vs Lille prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups - 22 January 2026
One of the matches of the seventh round of the Europa League group stage will take place on Thursday at the Balaídos Stadium in Vigo, where the local side Celta will host French outfit Lille. Here’s a bet on the outcome of this clash that comes with solid chances of success.
- Read also: Ferencváros vs Panathinaikos prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups - 22 January 2026
Match preview
Claudio Giráldez’s team have kicked off 2026 in style, winning three straight La Liga matches with a combined score of 8-1. This run has propelled them to seventh in the Spanish championship, putting them within striking distance of the European qualification zone. However, their Europa League campaign is much bumpier: Celta sit only 19th, and a defeat to Lille could all but end their playoff hopes.
Special mention must go to their attacking prowess - Borja Iglesias and Iago Aspas are consistently putting opposing defenders under pressure. The problems arise from their instability on the European stage - three defeats in six Europa League matches have complicated their path out of the group. Still, compared to their current opposition, Celta look to have the upper hand.
The French side are yet to win a match in 2026: three consecutive defeats, including a painful 0-3 loss to PSG in their last Ligue 1 outing, have dropped them to fifth in the league. Lille’s Europa League form has also nosedived - three losses in their last four games, including a setback against Young Boys. With injuries and suspensions piling up, Lille face an uphill battle in Vigo.
Bruno Génésio is losing key players one after another - Igamane, André Gomes, and Verdonk are all sidelined, while Bentaleb will have to play without the support of the suspended Bouaddi. Up front, the focus is on 39-year-old Olivier Giroud, who will be flanked by young wingers Mbappé and Correia. Giroud’s experience could be vital, but overall, the French side are in a tough spot.
Probable lineups
- Celta: Radu, Fernandez, Starfelt, Alonso, Mingueza, Roman, Sotelo, Carreira, Aspas, Iglesias, Zaragoza
- Lille: Ozer, Meunier, Ngoy, Mandi, Péraud, Bentaleb, Mukau, Mbappé, Haraldsson, Correia, Giroud
Match facts and head-to-head
- Celta are unbeaten in six consecutive La Liga matches, scoring eight goals in their last three.
- Lille have lost three straight matches in 2026 and are at risk of losing three consecutive away Europa League games for the first time.
- The teams have never met in official competition, but Lille won a friendly 3-1 in 2024.
Prediction
Given the contrasting form of both teams, Celta enter this clash as favorites, especially considering their confidence in recent league fixtures. Lille are struggling with squad issues and a results crisis, making even a draw a tall order. With both sides desperate for points, the home team look more balanced and motivated.
