The second leg of the 2024/25 Europa League quarter-final between Manchester United (England) and Lyon (France) will take place on April 17 at Old Trafford. The first leg ended in a 2-2 draw. Manchester United vs. Lyon: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Manchester United
The Red Devils achieved a satisfactory result in the first leg. The team drew 2-2 in France, although they could have won if not for conceding a second goal in the 95th minute. Interestingly, Manchester United is the only participant in the Champions League and Europa League this season that has not yet lost. To progress further in the tournament, the English team needs to win the second leg. The club last reached the Europa League semi-finals in the 2020/21 season.
- The club's unbeaten run in this tournament stands at 11 matches (6 wins and 5 draws).
- Both teams have scored in 6 of Manchester United's last 7 Europa League games.
- The Red Devils have scored at least two goals in 8 of their last 9 home matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Manchester United (3-4-3)
Andre Onana – Harry Maguire, Lenny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui – Diogo Dalot, Patrick Dorgu, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes – Manuel Ugarte, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund.
Defenders Matthijs de Ligt, Aiden Heaven, Lisandro Martinez, and Jonny Evans, as well as forwards Joshua Zirkzee and Amad Diallo, are sidelined due to injuries.
Lyon
The French team was likely not satisfied with the home draw result, as they now need to win at Old Trafford. If the teams do not determine a winner again, extra time will be played. Notably, Lyon has been unbeaten in the Europa League for eight matches, securing four wins and four draws. The last time the French team reached the semi-finals of this tournament was in 2017.
- Both teams have scored in 6 of Lyon's last 8 Europa League games.
- At least three goals have been scored in 6 of the French team's last 8 matches in this European competition.
- The club has scored in 11 of its last 12 away matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Lyon (4-3-3)
Lucas Perri – Nicolas Tagliafico, Moussa Niakhate, Clinton Mata, Ainsley Maitland-Niles – Paul Akouokou, Jordan Veretout, Corentin Tolisso – Thiago Almada, Rayan Cherki, Georges Mikautadze.
Forward Ernest Nuamah is out due to injury.
Referee
Sandro Scharer (Switzerland)
Matches – 13 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 44;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.4;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 23%.
Match Prediction: Manchester United vs. Lyon
The first leg was an evenly contested battle. Neither team had a significant advantage in any aspect, and the second leg is likely to follow a similar pattern. Both teams are in good form in this European competition: the Red Devils have not lost in the current tournament, while the French team is unbeaten in eight consecutive Europa League matches. I predict that both teams will extend their unbeaten runs after 90 minutes in this European competition.
The Red Devils have not lost in their last ten home matches in this tournament, securing 8 wins and 2 draws, while the French team boasts an impressive 12-match unbeaten streak away in the Europa League (9 wins and 3 draws). Additionally, both clubs are focusing on this European competition this season: Lyon is fourth in Ligue 1 but could be overtaken by at least three lower-ranked clubs; Manchester United, on the other hand, has had a disappointing Premier League season, sitting only in 14th place, no longer contending for a European competition finish.
I think the clash between these motivated and relatively evenly matched opponents will go beyond regular time. My prediction: Draw
