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 match 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 meeting. The team drew 2-2 in France, although they could have won but conceded the second goal in the 95th minute. Interestingly, Manchester United is the only participant in the Champions League and Europa League that has not yet lost this European season. To advance further in the tournament, the English team needs to win the return match. Notably, the club last reached the Europa League semi-finals in the 2020/21 season.
- The club's unbeaten run in this tournament is 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, Leni Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui – Diogo Dalot, Patrick Dorgu, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes – Manuel Ugarte, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund.
Defenders Aidan Heven, Lisandro Martinez, and Jonny Evans, as well as forward Amad Diallo, are out due to injuries.
Lyon
The French side is unlikely to be satisfied with the result of the home match, which ended in a draw, as they now need to win at Old Trafford. If the teams are tied again, extra time will be played. It should be noted that Lyon has not lost in the Europa League for eight matches, securing four wins and four draws. Also, the last time the French 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 last 8 matches of the French team 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 Perry – Nicolas Tagliafico, Moussa Niakhate, Clinton Mata, Ainsley Maitland-Niles – Paul Akouokou, Jordan Veretout, Corentin Tolisso – Thiago Almada, Rayan Cherki, Georgiy Mikautadze.
Forwards Ernest Nuamah and Malik Fofana are out due to injuries.
Referee
Sandro Schärer (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 meeting was a closely contested affair. Neither team had a significant advantage in any aspect, and the return match is likely to be similar. Both teams are in good form in this European competition: the Red Devils have not lost in the current tournament, while the French have not been defeated in the Europa League for eight consecutive 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 have an impressive 12-match unbeaten run away in the Europa League (9 wins and 3 draws). Moreover, the 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, meanwhile, has had a disappointing season in the Premier League, sitting only in 14th place, no longer contending for a European spot.
I believe the clash between these motivated and evenly matched opponents will go beyond regular time. My prediction: Draw
