Since their two remarkable victories against Bayern Munich and Lille in the opening two group games, BATE Borisov have been competing for an unlikely place in the knockout stages, but will have to get a good result against Lille tonight if they are to see the dream become a reality.
BATE Borisov vs. Lille: Preview and TV schedule
BATE will hope to take advantage of Lille’s woes as they continue to seek progress to the first knockout round.
BATE won the away fixture 3-1, stunning a Lille side that has been a huge disappointment and failed to pick up a single point, but have suffered consecutive defeats to Valencia since then. Having just been crowned Belarusian champions, they will hope that the high spirits can allow them to regroup to make it to the first knockout round.
Lille have travelled with a young squad as several regulars have been left at home, and have a number of injuries keeping their options fairly thin. They will hope to qualify for the Europa League at least, but they will need to better BATE’s 3-1 scoreline against them in the other game to have any hope of doing so.
BATE Borisov injuries and suspensions
Out: Aleksandr Pavlov (hamstring). In doubt: Dmitri Mozolevski (head)
Lille injuries and suspensions
Out: Aurélien Chedjou (adductor), Tulio De Melo (adductor), Ryan Mendes (ankle), Franck Beria (calf)
Dmitri Mozolevski is unlikely to start for BATE but could make a possible appearance after suffering a head injury, while Aleksandr Pavlov is out until the end of the season.
Lille have rested a number of players and travelled with a young team to Belarus, with injuries also weakening their side yet further.
Match Date\Time: 8 p.m. local, 6 p.m. CET, 12 a.m. ET
Venue: Dinamo Stadion, Minsk, Belarus
TV: DirecTV (U.S.), Sky Sports Red Button (U.K.), beIN Sport 1 (France)
Online: Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.), Sportsnet World Online (Canada)
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