Lille have lost every Champions League match: Bodo/Glimt vs. Lille prediction
On November 3, Bodo/Glimt will host French side Lille in the fourth round of the Champions League league phase. The Norwegians have collected three points, while the visitors have suffered three consecutive defeats and are still without a point. Both teams head into the match on the back of important domestic victories, but the hosts look more convincing on the European stage.
Bodo/Glimt: victory over a rival and squad problems
Kjetil Knutsen’s side received a major emotional boost after beating Viking 3-2. The result allowed the Norwegians to draw level with their direct title rival — both clubs now have 59 points. Bodo/Glimt have been less consistent in the Champions League: defeats to Bayern Munich (0-5) and Napoli (3-4) were offset by a home win over Borussia Dortmund (1-0). The support of their home crowd remains one of the team’s biggest advantages.
However, a congested schedule is making preparations for the match more difficult. Sondre Auklend and Joshua Kitolano missed training through illness, while Magnus Riisnaes is still recovering from a knee injury. Their ability to play the full match remains in doubt. Limited rotation options could affect the hosts’ physical condition after a demanding game against Viking. In attack, Jens Petter Hauge poses a particular threat and can exploit weaknesses in the opposition’s defense.
Lille: three Champions League defeats and a vulnerable right flank
Lille have been performing well in the French league. Their 1-0 victory over Lens lifted Davide Ancelotti’s team into second place and reduced the gap to PSG to two points. The situation in the Champions League, however, is completely different. The French side have lost to Real Betis (2-3), Arsenal (0-3) and Galatasaray (2-4) in succession. They have conceded ten goals in three matches, exposing serious problems with their defensive organization.
The right side of the defense has looked particularly vulnerable since Tiago Santos suffered his injury. In the four matches without him, Lille have conceded nine goals. The options of Goffi and Ngoy have yet to provide the required reliability. Hamza Igamane is also unavailable, Ayase Ueda’s participation is in doubt, and Ethan Mbappe continues to serve a suspension. Tanguy Nianzou could return to the starting lineup. Hauge’s activity on the left wing of the Norwegian attack will be the main threat to the visitors.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Bodo/Glimt have scored at least three goals in five of their last six home Champions League matches
- Lille have lost all three matches in the current league phase, conceding ten goals
- At least three goals have been scored in nine of Bodo/Glimt’s last ten Champions League matches
Will Lille’s disastrous run continue: Bodo/Glimt vs. Lille prediction
Bodo/Glimt are particularly dangerous at home, where they have already managed to beat Borussia Dortmund. Despite their squad problems, the Norwegians possess enough attacking quality to take advantage of the issues in the French defense.
Lille are capable of scoring, but the instability of their defensive line and three Champions League defeats cast doubt on their chances of winning. We expect an entertaining, high-scoring encounter in which home advantage will help Knutsen’s team secure victory.
