*Match preview and betting tips provided by SVB Tips
Lyon are battling on two fronts, with both Ligue 1 and the Europa League offering a path to a spot in the UEFA Champions League. Meanwhile, Manchester United is solely focused on the Europa League, as it's the only competition that can provide a sliver lining in has been one of their most dismal seasons in recent years.
LYON’S STRONG FORM UNDER PAULO FONSECA
Since the arrival of Paulo Fonseca, Lyon have been in solid form, even though the Portuguese coach has been unable to sit on the bench in Ligue 1 due to a long suspension. Since the start of March, Les Gones have won six of their last seven matches, including two Europa League victories over FCSB (3-1 in Bucharest and 4-0 at home). Their only defeat in this stretch came at Strasbourg (2-4), which dropped them out of the Champions League spots. However, Lyon bounced back with a 2-1 victory over Lille and are now in 5th place, just one point behind Strasbourg, two behind Monaco, and four behind Marseille.
Fonseca will be without Ernest Nuamah and Malick Fofana for this match due to injuries.
MANCHESTER UNITED STRUGGLING AFTER A BORING DERBY
Manchester United's disastrous run in the Premier League continues, with the team stuck in the bottom half of the table in 13th place. Recently, the Red Devils suffered a 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest, followed by a dull 0-0 draw in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford. However, Ruben Amorim’s side is no longer prioritising the league, focusing entirely on the Europa League after their elimination from the FA Cup by Fulham. The team aims to win the Europa League trophy as their only route to a place in next season’s Champions League.
In the previous round, Manchester United defeated Real Sociedad, drawing 1-1 away and winning 4-1 at home. Despite having just one defeat in their last nine matches, they have only two wins in their last seven, so they will be looking for a strong performance in Lyon.
Lisandro Martinez, Amad Diallo, Ayden Heaven, and Jonny Evans all remain sidelined, though Amorim hopes to have Kobbie Mainoo and Matthijs de Ligt available.
POSSIBLE LINEUPS:
Lyon:
Perri – Maitland-Niles, Clinton Mata, M. Niakhate, Abner Vinicius – Tessman, Matic – Cherki, Tolisso, Almada – Mikautadze.
Manchester United:
Onana – Yoro, Maguire, Mazraoui – D. Dalot, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dorgu – B. Fernandes, Garnacho – Hojlund.
Betting Suggestions:
- Lyon to win: With strong form, especially at home, Lyon have a good chance of taking a first-leg advantage to old Trafford next week.
- Over 2.5 goals: United have saved their best offensive displays for this competition, and Lyon’s attacking players, including Cherki and Almada, are in good form.
- Both teams to score (BTTS): Given Lyon’s attacking prowess and United’s struggles to keep clean sheets, combined with their offensive potential, especially from Bruno Fernandes and Garnacho, this is a solid option.