Monday 19 February 2007

ALLEZ! ALLEZ! LILLE.


Given that Manchester United's turnover is seven times greater than that of Lille, Tuesday's Champions League encounter should, in theory, be a walkover for the Premiership side.

Lille might operate on a budget of just over £23m but the French side have proved they are capable of punching well above their weight even if they will have to play United at Lens' Stade Felix-Bollaert ground because their own stadium does not meet Uefa standards.

Last season Lille beat United at home and drew away in the Champions League and this time around the Ligue 1 side have gone one better by reaching the last 16 of the competition. More: