The first leg of the 2024/25 Europa League quarter-final between Lyon (France) and Manchester United (England) will take place on April 10 at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais. Lyon vs. Manchester United: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Lyon
Paulo Fonseca's side finished the group stage of the Europa League in sixth place (4 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss). By finishing in the top eight, the French team avoided the play-offs and qualified directly for the Round of 16. At this stage, Lyon easily and confidently dispatched FCSB, defeating their opponent with an aggregate score of 7-1. It is worth noting that the team had been absent from European competitions for three years and last played in the Europa League in 2022, but did not advance past the quarter-finals, as they were stopped by another English club, West Ham (1-1 and 0-3).
- Lyon is unbeaten in this tournament for seven matches (4 wins and 3 draws).
- At least two goals have been scored in 11 of Lyon's last 13 games in this European competition.
- The first half ended in a draw in 7 of Lyon's last 10 home matches in the Europa League.
Predicted lineup for Lyon (4-4-2)
Lucas Perry – Abner, Moussa Niakate, Clinton Mata, Ainsley Maitland-Niles – Rayan Cherki, Tanner Tessmann, Jordan Veretout, Corentin Tolisso – Ernest Nuamah, Georges Mikautadze.
Forward Ernest Nuamah is out for the season with a knee injury. Forward Malik Fofana is also out due to injury, and midfielder Tanner Tessmann will miss the match for personal reasons.
Manchester United
The Red Devils remain unbeaten in the current Europa League. The team confidently navigated the group stage, winning five matches and drawing three. From third place, the English side qualified directly for the Round of 16, where they faced Real Sociedad. They encountered difficulties only in Spain, where they drew (1-1), but at Old Trafford, the English team comfortably defeated the Basques 4-1. It is worth noting that the team last played in this European competition in the 2022/23 season and also reached the quarter-finals, but lost to Sevilla (2-2 and 0-3).
- The club's unbeaten run in the Europa League is 10 matches (6 wins and 4 draws).
- Both teams scored in 5 of Manchester United's last 6 matches in this tournament.
- The Red Devils opened the scoring in 8 of their last 10 matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Manchester United (3-4-3)
Andre Onana – Matthijs de Ligt, Ayden Heaven, Noussair Mazraoui – Diogo Dalot, Patrick Dorgu, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes – Joshua Zirkzee, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Højlund.
Due to injuries, defenders Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martinez, and Jonny Evans, as well as forward Amad Diallo, are out.
Referee
Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
Matches – 10 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 30;
Average yellow cards per match – 3;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 30%.
Lyon vs. Manchester United: Match Prediction
Unlike the Red Devils, who have lost tournament motivation in their league, the French are fighting for a top-four finish in Ligue 1. The team is currently fifth, just one point behind the fourth spot. Paulo Fonseca's side is ranked so high thanks to their good scoring ability – after 28 rounds, the team has scored 54 goals. However, the club has also conceded a significant number – 38 goals.
Knowing it will be difficult in England, Lyon will likely play on the front foot in this match, aiming to score as much as possible and secure at least a minimal advantage over their opponent before the return leg. However, Manchester United is also focused on this tournament, as there is an opportunity to win the trophy and qualify for the Champions League next season. Therefore, I think the English side will also get on the scoresheet, especially since they have scored in all 10 matches in the current tournament. However, the Red Devils are unlikely to keep a clean sheet, as they have conceded in 5 of their last 6 Europa League matches.
My prediction: Both teams to score – yes
