Sporting CP vs Lille Prediction 17 Sep 2024

⚽ Champions League - League phase - Round 1 Preview

📅 17 Sep 2024

⏰ 20:00 GMT +1

🏟 Estádio José Alvalade (Lisbon)

Sporting CP, despite a recent unimpressive European record, have started the 2024/25 season in blistering form domestically. They lead Liga Portugal after winning their first five games with an impressive 19-2 aggregate score. They aim to transfer this form to the Champions League, starting their campaign against Lille, a team they have beaten in both of their previous encounters. Sporting has won their UCL opener in two of their last three appearances (L1), but their record at home in UCL games is mixed (W4, L4).

Lille, in contrast, has had a mixed start to their Ligue 1 season (W2, L2) and suffered a 1-0 defeat to lowly Saint-Étienne just before this match. Their away record in the Champions League is less promising, with ten losses in their last 15 away matches (W4, D1). Lille’s poor record against Portuguese teams (D1, L5) adds to their challenges, though they did manage to win two of their three away UCL group matches in the 2021/22 season. They will hope to replicate that success and advance beyond the group stage.

Players to watch: Viktor Gyökeres of Sporting CP, who has scored in his last seven appearances, including 11 goals, will be a key player. Lille’s Jonathan David, who was prolific in their UCL away wins three seasons ago, will be crucial for the French side.

Where to watch Sporting CP vs Lille?

📺 Link to watch Sporting CP vs Lille Live Stream on TV

📋 Players to watch: Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP), Jonathan David (Lille)

⚡️ Match Facts: Sporting CP has only allowed both teams to score in one of their last seven home games against French opposition.

💡 Sporting CP vs Lille Prediction

Sporting CP enters this match in excellent domestic form and with a strong record against Lille, making them favorites to win. Lille's inconsistent start to the season and poor away record in the Champions League suggest a challenging game ahead for them. Sporting’s solid start and home advantage should lead them to a victory in this opening match.

Sporting CP vs Lille Betting Tips

• Sporting CP to win: Sporting’s current form and historical success against Lille make them favorites.
• Viktor Gyökeres to score anytime: Gyökeres has been in exceptional form, making him a reliable bet to score.
• Under 2.5 goals: Sporting’s strong defense and Lille’s recent struggles suggest a low-scoring game.