Lille – FC Porto

Quality duel in the Champions League playoffs between Lille and FC Porto, unfortunately only one of these teams will go trough to the group stages.

Lille is looking to struggle a bit right now. They had a poor friendly campaign, than beat Grasshoppers 2-0 away in the first official match, but it was probably their best performance of the season. After the win in Switzerland Lille recorded 2 draws and 1 close win against mediocre team at best and had big problems scoring. The hosts have good players in attack with Kalou or Origi but something is not working for them on the offensive end. Lille does not create too many chances, I bet the manager is trying to fix that but I don’t think he can do it against a team of Porto’s caliber, so it will be a problem for Lille. Team news for Lille say that Martin won`t play.

Lille lineup: Enyeama – Souare, Kjaer, Basa, Beria – Balmont, Mavuba, Gueye – Corchia, Origi, Kalou

Porto finally started the league in the weekend, a good solid 2-0 win over Maritimo after they also had a very good pre-season. Like always Porto made moves in the transfer window, selling and buying, also brought a new manager in Lopetegui (from Spain U21) and I think there is a fair chance they will be stronger than last season. The defense looks particularly good after the acquisition of Martins Indi from Feyenoord. Team news for Porto say that Juan Quintero will not be in the lineup.

Porto lineup: Fabiano – Danilo, Maicon, Indi, Sandro – Neves, Oliver, Herrera – Quaresma, Martinez, Brahimi

Both teams can defend very well and I think this has the makings of a low scoring game. Lille will be desperate to keep a clean sheet and they will focus on that … making their inefficient offense even less likely to score. Porto is more sharp up front but playing on the road against such a good team like Lille will make it very hard for them to score as well. I don’t think both teams will be able to score here. If somebody manages to get a goal, they will totally shut down the match. The odds for the under are very low so my tip will be Both teams to score – No. Bwin with particularly high odds for this bet (average is at about 1.75 and decreasing). Correct score prediction: Lille – FC Porto 0-0.

Pick: Both teams to score – NO
Odds: 1.87 @ Bwin
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 6.96
Event date: 20 August