Manchester United vs Lyon tips and predictions: Can the Red Devils finish the job off on home soil?

Manchester United state of play

As the first leg highlighted, Manchester United are a different proposition in Europe. With the tie firmly in the balance at 2-2 on aggregate after Andre Onana's late error, there is still work to do. 

On course for their worst-ever Premier League season, Ruben Amorim’s side will be desperate to keep their continental dreams alive as they look to scrape qualification for next year’s Champions League.

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The Red Devils remain unbeaten in the competition (W6 D5) and have never lost a match to Lyon in five games between the two sides.

United’s preparations for this season-defining clash are less than ideal, though. They surrendered their lead late-on at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais, while the 4-1 hammering at St. James' Park on Sunday hardly inspires confidence. 

Despite their patchy form of late, though, United have risen to the challenge on European nights numerous times already this campaign. 

Lyon state of play 

Lyon, who are aiming to reach their first European semi-final since 2019-20, proved just how much of a dangerous side they are in the first leg. 

As Rayan Cherki showed at times, the diminutive figure is behind most of the team’s attacks. Their main orchestrator has eight assists in 10 Europa League matches this term

Having won seven of their last nine matches, Les Gones are playing with confidence. The French giants are also unbeaten in seven European games against English opposition.

Paulo Fonseca’s attack-minded team are also the competition’s highest scorers. Lyon score 2.3 goals per match, while they’ve created 43 big chances. 

Lyon have also only let in 11 goals in Europe, and have not conceded more than two in a match thus far.

Key talking point: Bruno Fernandes versus Rayan Cherki? 

Although both sides possess a number of attacking threats, a battle between Bruno Fernandes and Rayan Cherki could unfold at Old Trafford. 

Both players have already impacted the tie. Fernandes’ looping cross was on a plate for substitute Joshua Zirkzee, while Cherki’s equaliser came after Andre Onana spilled Georges Mikautadze's shot. 

With home advantage on his side, though, the Red Devils captain could shine once again after netting a superb hat-trick in the 4-1 second-leg victory over Real Sociedad in the last 16. 

From Lyon’s perspective, stopping Fernandes will be pivotal. The same applies to Manchester United and Cherki.

Cherki has created 4.7 chances per match, the highest in the competition. Meanwhile, United’s talisman has 3.4 chances per 90 to his name. 

Additionally, Cherki’s aforementioned eight assists lead the way in the competition. Bruno has three assists to his name, although he ranks third in terms of expected assists (4.3), according to FotMob. 

With both Bruno Fernandes and Rayan Cherki capable of producing magic, at least one of them is likely to have a say on the night.

FIRST’s top tip for Manchester United vs Lyon

The goals could be flowing once again at Old Trafford. I expect both teams to find the back of the net in this one, but United to edge it overall. 

Both teams to score and Manchester United to win - 21/10 (Betway)

Extra tips 

Bruno Fernandes delivers time and time again for Manchester United. Their captain could lead from the front here and score United’s first goal. 

Bruno Fernandes to score first - 4/1 (Bet442) 

Team news

Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount were involved off the bench at Newcastle, meaning they should all be available for United against Lyon. 

Meanwhile, Zirkzee is set to miss out, while Amad Diallo, Toby Collyer, Matthijs de Ligt, Jonny Evans and Lisandro Martinez remain long-term injury absentees. 

As for Lyon, Ernest Nuamah is out for the rest of the season. However, the potential return of their top scorer in the competition, Malick Fofana, could provide a huge boost. 

Manchester United vs Lyon predicted line-ups: 

Manchester United: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund (3-4-2-1)

Lyon: Perri; Maitland-Niles, Mata, Niakhate, Tagliafico; Tessmann, Matic; Cherki, Tolisso, Almada; Mikautadze (4-2-3-1) 

Form guide (all competitions) 

Manchester United: WDDDWWLDDL

Lyon: LWWWWWLWDW 

Odds correct at the time of writing.