lille fc to field Gaetan Perrin as Red Star Belgrade visit for Europa League playoff opener
Lille FC head into the Europa League playoff first leg against Red Star Belgrade at Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Thursday (Feb. 19, 2026 ET) with a mix of cautious optimism and clear squad concerns. Manager Bruno Genesio is set to hand Gaetan Perrin a starting role while several players battle fitness issues ahead of a tie that pits poor domestic form against strong European momentum from the visitors.
Team news and predicted XI: Perrin to start, multiple absences expected
Squad availability will shape Lille’s selection. Perrin looks set to start after being named in the predicted XI for the match, a choice that underlines the coaching staff’s willingness to shuffle options as they seek control in midfield. Olivier Giroud’s late heroics in the League Phase—converting a 92nd-minute penalty on matchday eight—remain fresh, and goalkeeper Berke Ozer kept a clean sheet in that same fixture, offering some stability at the back.
Fitness concerns will force Genesio’s hand. Noah Edjouma and Thomas Meunier are likely to miss the clash with hamstring problems, while Osame Sahraoui is carrying a sore groin. Marc-Aurele Caillard has an elbow issue, and Ethan Mbappe Lottin is doubtful with a leg problem. Longer-term absentees Hamza Igamane and Ousmane Toure remain sidelined with cruciate ligament tears. Those absences reduce depth at fullback and in wide areas, increasing the importance of a disciplined midfield display and compact defensive shape.
Form guide and match context: Lille’s domestic slump meets Red Star’s European surge
Domestically, Lille FC have struggled: they have dropped points in six successive Ligue 1 matches, and their only win in 2026 came against Freiburg late in January. That victory did come at a useful time, and across the League Phase Lille were strong at home—taking maximum points in three of their four home games and keeping two clean sheets—so Stade Pierre-Mauroy remains a venue where they can spark a revival.
Red Star arrive in markedly different nick. Under Dejan Stankovic, the Serbians are unbeaten in six straight matches and enter this tie on a five-match unbeaten run in European competition. Their February form has been ruthless: four competitive wins this month by a combined margin of 15-2. They also claimed 1-0 victories in their previous two Europa League away matches and will be hunting a first-ever normal-time victory on French soil, though they did beat Lille 1-0 in the League Phase meeting between the sides earlier in the competition.
For Lille, the tie carries added historical weight. This will be their first knockout-phase appearance in the Europa League since 2021, when they were eliminated in the playoff round. While Lille have lost their last three knockout ties in this competition, they remain unbeaten in three of their previous four knockout home fixtures in the Europa League, a run that includes a memorable win over Liverpool in 2010.
What to expect on the night and key tactical battle
The midfield battle will be pivotal. With Perrin lining up to start, Lille will likely look to control possession and protect a vulnerable backline missing key personnel. Expect a low block out of necessity against Red Star’s energetic attack, which carries confidence after finishing the League Phase above Lille and maintaining strong form into 2026.
Red Star’s ability to grind out tight away wins—two recent 1-0 success stories in the Europa League—suggests they will be compact defensively and clinical on the break. Lille must find a way to create clear-cut chances without exposing the flanks, where Meunier’s absence could be felt most.
Thursday’s opening leg will be a test of Lille’s resilience and squad management. If Perrin can influence the midfield and the hosts reproduce their stronger home performances from the League Phase, Lille have a route through. If fitness woes bite and Red Star bring the same ruthlessness seen this month, the tie could swing away from Stade Pierre-Mauroy before the return leg.
