Gent manager Francky Dury has played down the significance of his side's Europa League meeting with Lille.
Both sides lost their opening matches and defeat for either would already leave them adrift of their Group C rivals after just two games.
While Dury admits his side need to get off the mark in their home opener, he does not believe defeat would spell the end of their campaign.
"This is an important meeting, Lille and my team both need a win," he said.
"But after only two games, I do not think we'll be eliminated from the race for qualification if we lose."
Dury also believes his side, who lost 3-2 at Levski Sofia in their opener, will have the "patience to surprise" the visitors who will make the short trip up the E17 for the match.
Lille were comfortable 4-1 winners earlier this month when they made a similarly brief trip to Ligue 1 neighbours Lens, but Dury does not expect his team to be so obliging.
"I saw them score those four goals in Lens," he said.
"The distance from Lille to Lens is almost the same to Gent - but I assure you that we will not concede four goals."
Gent are set to be without Yaya Soumahoro due to a hamstring injury and Yassine El Ghanassy could take his place after returning to training this week.
Lille, who boast teenage Belgian star Eden Hazard, have been in good form this season and are unbeaten in Ligue 1 after holding high-flying Toulouse to a 1-1 draw at the weekend.
In fact, their 2-1 loss to Sporting Lisbon in their Group C opener is their only reverse in league and European action this term.
Lille have never lost to Belgian opposition in European competition, while they have never met Gent in a continental competition.
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