Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Europa League match.
A disappointing domestic campaign has left Manchester United with little choice but to focus on maximising their UEFA Europa League run. At Old Trafford, the team will look to assert themselves against Olympique Lyonnais, though the 2:2 draw in the first leg suggests the visitors are more than capable of capitalising on mistakes.
Manchester United
Following a 1:4 defeat to Newcastle United on Sunday, Manchester United extended their winless streak to four matches. The club is now certain to record its worst English Premier League season since the competition's inception. In last week's first-leg clash in France, Manchester United produced 1.22 xG and managed 13 attempts on goal, with even the introduction of Joshua Zirkzee from the bench proving productive. However, defensive concerns persist: André Onana was absent from the squad against Newcastle United, and his replacement, Altay Bayındır, struggled — making only two saves from six shots on target and conceding from 2.16 xGA.
Olympique Lyonnais
Olympique Lyonnais, despite lacking high-profile names, carried momentum from their comeback in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals. Over the weekend, the team claimed a 3:1 victory over Auxerre, extending their run to five consecutive matches in which both teams have scored. At Old Trafford, Alexandre Lacazette could return to the starting line-up, though the main attacking threat is expected to come from Thiago Almada and Rayan Cherki, who combined for two goals last Thursday.
Manchester United vs Olympique Lyonnais Prediction
In the second leg, both Manchester United and Olympique Lyonnais possess enough attacking firepower to score before the interval. An open, attacking contest would be a fitting spectacle on the European stage.
