Lille’s dominant performances last week have given their attack a serious boost, and they should have little trouble dismantling Dunkerque—potentially sealing the result by half-time. They adapt well to different styles of play, using their key players’ strengths to full effect.
After narrow defeats to Liverpool and Strasbourg (both 1:2), Lille didn’t change their tactical approach. Instead, they ramped up their attacking intensity by involving their full-backs more effectively. They defeated Feyenoord (6:1) and Saint-Étienne (4:1), generating a combined 4.56 xG and took 43 shots across 180 minutes. Injuries remain an issue, but even without key midfielder Edon Zhegrova, they secured a spot in the Champions League last 16.
Dunkerque’s cup run has seen them edge past Aubervilliers (2:0), Auxerre (1:0), and Haguenau (3:1)—but not without some struggles. Their form in Ligue 2 has been concerning, with a home defeat to relegation-threatened Martigues (0:1) on Friday. They’ve won just once in their last five league matches, falling four points behind the promotion-chasing top two. Given their precarious position in the league, coach Luis Castro may prioritise the domestic campaign over a near-impossible cup upset.
Since the summer of 2016, Lille have faced Dunkerque five times in friendlies—winning all five by an aggregate score of 14:2. Even with a rotated squad, the hosts should have no difficulty advancing to the quarter-finals.
