Liverpool prepare to welcome French outfit Lille, who sit in eighth place in the Champions League, to Anfield in their penultimate fixture of the league phase of the competition.

Lille triumphed in their last match against Nice with a 2-1 win in a warmup for their Champions League tie against Liverpool. Hakon Haraldsson and Bafode Diakite scored the goals in the second half for Lille which brought them within four points of second place Marseille in Ligue 1.

Lille have been formidable in the Champions League this season, as Les Douges have shocked many on the European stage. They have collected the scalps of a handful of European giants in the Champions League, which has propelled them into the top eight.

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Champions League form

Of the European giants, they had a historic 1-0 victory over Champions Real Madrid, courtesy of a Jonathan David penalty on the stroke of half time.

Lille handed Real Madrid their first loss in 36 games, following a brilliant offensive display, which was spearheaded by the goalscorer.

Despite a late Los Blancos resurgence led by Kylian Mbappe, who had just returned from injury, the French side held on to a deserved win.

Jonathan David said after the result: “On the penalty, I try to focus, to keep calm to take a good shot but I'm confident when it comes to taking penalties.

"It has not sunk in yet but it's a memorable night."

A 1-1 draw against Italian giants Juventus was also another upset. Despite taking the lead in the 27th minute through a David strike, Juventus drew level just after the hour mark, as Dusan Vhlahovic converted from the spot.

The French side had to withstand a late onslaught by the Old Lady, as they finished the match with almost double Lille’s shot total, but strong defensive work secured the draw for Les Douges.

A 3-1 away victory against Atletico Madrid ensured both teams from the Spanish capital were felled by Lille.

The game was a statement of intent from Bruno Genesio’s side. Despite being 1-0 at half time courtesy of a Julian Alvarez finish, a second half fight back showed the heart Lille possess.

A brace from Canadian star David, including a controversial penalty helped Lille overturn the goal deficit. The French side once again were outperformed in possession and shots, but clinical finishing proved the difference.

Boss Genesio said: "All my players were very decisive.

"We have taken a step towards qualification, because between nine and 10 points, we can dream of progressing to the round of 16."

League 1 Form

Turning attention to Les Douges’ league form, they sit in third place currently, 12 points off leaders PSG. With two wins and three draws in their last five games, however, clean sheets have been hard to come by for Bruno Genesio’s side.

Lille have scored in all but one of their last 16 fixtures but have only kept a clean sheet in two of their last 10 games.

However, they remain unbeaten in their last 21 games, with 11 wins and nine draws, which is a club record.

French journalist Olivier Fosseux addressed Lille’s form while speaking to OneFootball: “Lille come out of a week of qualification in the French Cup and a good second half against Nice.

"They can often be ineffective [in situations] but LOSC (Lille) are a team with a lot of character, and are currently undefeated in 21 matches.”

Les Douges have a cohort of players that can affect games positively, especially in the shape of Jonathan David. The 25-year-old has scored 17 goals in 30 games in all competitions so far this campaign.

Fosseux said: “The key men for Lille are Lucas Chevalier, Benjamin Andre and Jonathan David. It was Angel Gomes but since his injury in November he hasn’t played as much.

“They (Lille) play in a 4-2-3-1, they usually apply big pressure on the ball carrier while the central defence is very strong aerially.”

Lille have visited Anfield once before, in March 2010 in the Europa League. The French side took a 1-0 aggregate advantage to Anfield, but goals from Steven Gerrard and a Fernando Torres brace helped overturn the one goal deficit.

Familiar Faces

Liverpool will be reunited with a few familiar faces when Lille arrive at Anfield. Canadian striker Johnathan David was a player who was monitored by the club before they signed Diogo Jota in 2002, and with his contract expiring this summer, the fixture could prove to be a potential ‘audition’ for the forward.

However he had his say on the links while speaking to The Athletic: “Going to a club midseason is never easy, It’s not like the beginning of a season where you have a pre-season, you get to know your team-mates, you have time to gel.

"In January, things are very hectic.”

The Canadian has scored six goals and provided three assists in his Champions League campaign this season, a threat Liverpool must be wary of.

Belgian right back Thomas Meunier has faced Liverpool at Anfield before, as PSG fell to a Roberto Firmino winner in the 2018/19 season. The Belgian scored a goal in a 3-2 defeat in the group stages of Liverpool’s trophy winning campaign.

Injuries and Suspensions

Lille are without French centre back Samuel Umtiti. The former Barcelona player is expected to return in late January following knee surgery.

Former Everton midfielder Andre Gomes is not registered for Champions League action, so misses the opportunity to get one over his old rivals.