7M - Preview: Lille vs. Crvena Zvezda - Team News, Lineups, and Prediction

Posted Wednesday, February 18, 2026 by 7M Sport

Lille welcome Serbian giants Crvena Zvezda to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Wednesday night for the first leg of their UEFA knockout play-off. The French side, aiming to leverage their home advantage, face a battle-hardened Belgrade outfit known for their resilience in European competitions. As both clubs eye a spot in the next round, this fixture promises a fascinating clash between Ligue 1 flair and Serbian tenacity.

The hosts enter the tie in mixed domestic form but remain a formidable force at home. Lille’s tactical approach under Bruno Génésio focuses on high-intensity pressing and utilizing the pace of their wingers. On the other hand, Crvena Zvezda, currently dominating their domestic league, arrive in France with a defensive-first mindset, looking to keep the tie alive for what will undoubtedly be a volatile return leg in Belgrade.

In terms of team news, Lille are grappling with some significant absences in the final third. Star striker Jonathan David is a major doubt due to a knock sustained over the weekend, while midfielder Nabil Bentaleb remains out. However, the return of Edon Zhegrova provides a timely creative boost. Crvena Zvezda are in a relatively healthier position, with only long-term absentee Mirko Ivanić ruled out. The visitors will lean heavily on the experience of captain Aleksandar Dragović to marshal the backline against Lille’s offensive surges.

Lille are predicted to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation: Chevalier in goal; a defensive unit of Tiago Santos, Diakité, Alexsandro, and Ismaily; André and Gomes anchoring the midfield; with Zhegrova, Cabella, and Sahraoui supporting Mohamed Bayo (should David be unfit). Crvena Zvezda are expected to adopt a more cautious 4-5-1: Glazer; Mimović, Djiga, Dragović, Rodić; Hwang, Elšnik, Maksimović, Silas, Milson; and Cherif Ndiaye leading the attack.

The prediction for this first leg favors a narrow home win. While Crvena Zvezda are experts at frustrating high-caliber opponents, Lille’s technical quality and the fast surface at the Pierre-Mauroy should give them the edge. A 1-0 or 2-1 victory for Lille is the most likely outcome, though they will be wary of conceding an away goal that could prove decisive in the intimidating atmosphere of the Rajko Mitić Stadium next week.

Prediction