Fonseca's Lille eyeing success at home and in Europe

Sitting fourth in Ligue 1, 16 points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain, Lille might not be about to repeat their run to the title in 2021, but this can still end up being a memorable campaign.

The side from France's far north host Marseille on Friday at their Stade Pierre-Mauroy, where they have lost just once in 37 matches in all competitions since August 2022.

Last week's 2-1 home derby win over Lens saw them move three points ahead of Nice in the fight for the top four, crucial given that France will now have an extra place in the Champions League for the new, expanded version of the competition next season.

Monaco and Nice, both rivals in the battle to reach the Champions League, will be among their opponents between now and the end of the season.

But first up it is Marseille on Friday in a game brought forward to help both teams prepare for European quarter-finals next week. Marseille are seventh and struggling to recover from a poor start to the season.

"If we win, it will be very difficult for Marseille to catch up because they will be 10 points behind us," said Fonseca, whose team are three points adrift of Monaco in third. "But similarly, if we lose we will have just six matches to make up for it."

Lille could be forgiven for being distracted by their approaching Europa Conference League quarter-final against Aston Villa, with the first leg in England next Thursday.

They have cruised through to the last eight of a continental competition for the first time, although they can be under no illusions as to the size of the task against a top Premier League side. Yet Lille have no shortage of quality, notably in the shape of Canadian striker Jonathan David, scorer of 22 goals in total this season.

He is ably supported by