French giants LOSC Lille take on heavily reinforced FC Porto in the first leg of the Champions League play-offs, with both sides hoping to record a good result ahead of the return match.

Les Dogues were pretty impressive last term, holding off challenge from Saint Etienne, Lyon and Marseille to achieve a third-place finish, and they enter the new season with a virtually unchanged squad.

Star forward Divock Origi was sold to Liverpool, only to be loaned back to Grand Stade Metropole, while Salomon Kalou, Marko Basa and Rio Mavuba, all linked with a summer exit, are still at the club.

Lille started the new season brightly, recording a 3-1 aggregate win over Grasshoppers to set up a clash with FC Porto, with les Dogues now 2.62 (13/8) to make it to the group stages.

Having conceded just one goal in four matches this term, it appears the back line is again in full working order and keeping a clean sheet could be integral to their chances of reaching the next phase.

The weekend’s 1-0 away win over Caen is likely to serve as an additional boost ahead of what can already be dubbed match of the season.

The victory did come at a cost though as key midfielder Marvin Martin picked up a hamstring injury that rules him out of the Porto game.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Enyeama – Corchia, Kjaer, Basa, Beria – Balmont, Mavubam Gueye – Origi, Kalou, Mendes.

Having allowed Benfica to end their domestic domination last season, FC Porto are determined to retain the league title and they have shown great ambition in the summer transfer window.

The Dragons have signed a plethora of quality players, with Opare, Adrian, Martins Indi, Tello and Brahimi the more notable signings, with new boss Julen Lopetegui given the best possible chance to succeed.

It is now the matter of getting the squad to gel as quickly as possible, with opening league win over Maritimo a step in the right direction.

Nevertheless, Porto are set to face a much tougher task against in-form Lille, as witnessed by odds of 2.80 (9/5) offered on away win.

The Dragons are, however, winless in last five Champions League fixtures (D2 L3), but this will be a great time to end the barren run.

Full-back Alex Sandro has recovered from a hip problem, but Helton and Daniel Opare remain on the sidelines. Juan Quintero and Jose Angel are back in contention.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Fabiano – Danilo, Maicon, Martins Indi, Alex Sandro – Brahimi, Casemiro, Herrera – Adrian, Martinez, Quaresma.