Lyon vs Manchester United tips and predictions: Expect the Reds unbeaten record to continue

Lyon state of play 

Lyon claimed a vital victory over Lille in Ligue 1 action on Saturday. 

It was former Arsenal striker Alexander Lacazette and talented attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki who scored the goals that lifted Paulo Fonseca’s side into fifth position. Which has meant they’re crucially just two points behind the Champions League spots. 

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The French side booked their spot in the last eight of the Europa League by emphatically beating Steaua Bucharest 7-1 on aggregate.

They’re also tough to beat at the Groupama Stadium, having lost just four times there this season. 

Manchester United state of play

To call Sunday’s Manchester derby as ‘dull’ would be an understatement. 

However, that 0-0 draw against Manchester City should fill Ruben Amorim’s side with confidence as they travel to Lyon to play their Europa League quarter-final first-leg match. 

In the previous round of this competition, the Red Devils secured a 5-2 aggregate victory over Real Sociedad. 

An impressive 1-1 draw in Spain was backed up by an emphatic 4-1 victory at Old Trafford in the second leg. 

Key talking point: Manchester United to stay unbeaten in Europe?  

It’s been a struggle to find any positives for Man Utd this season. However, one stat that does just that is that they are the only unbeaten team left in the Europa League.

Under Amorim, they’ve won five of their six games in this competition (drawing the other). 

There’s no doubt that the Europa League is the club’s main priority for the remainder of the season. 

Should they win this competition, they’ll qualify for next season’s Champions League. With the trophy that will go alongside that, this season would be saved from being a disaster. 

The Red Devils are also unbeaten against Lyon. In the four times the clubs have met in European competitions, the English side have won two and drawn the other two.

And we think these positive stats for Manchester United will continue this week.  

FIRST’s top tip for Lyon v Manchester United

Draw or Manchester United -  8/15 (Betway)

Manchester United showed their resilient side on Sunday and will be desperate to avoid defeat in France on Thursday evening. 

Should they do that, they’ll be full of confidence that they can qualify for the final four. 

Extra tips

Bruno Fernandes has been United’s talisman in the competition this season. 

He scored a hat-trick in the 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad and will have a key role to play should Man Utd win.

We fancy the Portuguese playmaker to rise to the occasion and pepper goalkeeper Lucas Perri in the Lyon net and have two or more shots in target.  

Bruno Fernandes 2+ shots on target - 3/1 (Betway)

Team news

Mallack Fofana, who has scored six goals in the competition for Lyon this season, will not be available for Thursday’s match. Ernest Nuamah will also be absent. 

Meanwhile, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez and Amad Diallo will all miss the match for United. Kobbie Mainoo and Matthijs De Light are injury doubts.  

Lyon v Manchester United predicted line-ups

Lyon: Perri; Tagliafico, Niakhate, Mata, Maitland-Niles; Matic, Tessman; Tollisso, Almada, Cherki; Lacazette (4-2-3-1)

Manchester United: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Fernandes, Zirkzee, Garnacho (3-4-3)

Form guide (all competitions)

Lyon: WWLWWWWWLW

Manchester United: LDWDDDWWLD

Odds correct at time of writing.