Lille and Real Betis reveal contrasting team news ahead of Champions League opener

Lille will begin their Champions League league-phase campaign at home to Real Betis at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, with both ambitious sides aiming to make a strong start to their European season.

The French club appear to have the clearer squad situation before the match, while Real Betis are waiting on the fitness of three important players. Lille will look to use home advantage against a Betis side that has shown signs of improved form in the domestic league.

Lille’s likely line-up

Lille’s medical department has comparatively little to report, with only one confirmed absentee ahead of the opening fixture. Hamza Igamane remains unavailable and has been sidelined since last season.

Berke Ozer is expected to start in goal, with Tiago Santos, Nathan Ngoy, Alexsandro and Romain Perraud forming the defensive line.

Benjamin Andre could anchor the midfield alongside Hakon Arnar Haraldsson and Nabil Bentaleb. Further forward, Ethan Mbappe, Olivier Giroud and Osame Sahraoui are listed as the likely attacking trio.

The fixture represents Lille’s first home match in the league phase of the Champions League, and the hosts will hope their strong availability allows them to field a settled side from the start.

Lille’s probable XI: Berke Ozer; Tiago Santos, Nathan Ngoy, Alexsandro, Romain Perraud; Benjamin Andre, Hakon Arnar Haraldsson, Nabil Bentaleb; Ethan Mbappe, Olivier Giroud, Osame Sahraoui.

Real Betis await fitness decisions

Real Betis face greater uncertainty before travelling to northern France. Diego Llorente, Abde Ezzalzouli and Giovani Lo Celso are all doubts, with the club’s medical staff due to carry out a final assessment before deciding whether the players are fit to make the trip.

Alvaro Valles is expected to start in goal if selected. The anticipated defence includes Hector Bellerin, Marc Bartra, Natan and Fran Garcia.

Isco, Facundo Bernal and Pablo Fornals are the projected midfield three, while Antony, Cucho Hernandez and Rodrigo Riquelme are expected to lead the attack.

Real Betis’ probable XI: Alvaro Valles; Hector Bellerin, Marc Bartra, Natan, Fran Garcia; Isco, Facundo Bernal, Pablo Fornals; Antony, Cucho Hernandez, Rodrigo Riquelme.

The match is Lille’s opening game of the Champions League league phase and brings together two sides seeking an ideal launch to their continental campaign.

According to the odds published by 1xBet, Lille are priced at 2.20 to win, with the draw at 3.40 and a Real Betis victory at 3.25.