​UEFA Europa League: Olympique Lyon vs Manchester United Betting Preview & Prediction

Olympique Lyonnais host Manchester United in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final on Thursday at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon. With United’s domestic struggles placing them 13th in the Premier League, the Europa League represents their most viable path to Champions League qualification. Lyon, meanwhile, are experiencing a resurgence, aiming to capitalise on their home advantage in this crucial encounter.​ Below is the betting preview and prediction for this quarter-final.

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Betting Preview

Lyon, under the guidance of Paulo Fonseca, have been formidable at home. They secured a dramatic win against Lille and boast a solid record in European competitions at the Groupama Stadium. Their attacking prowess is evident, with 42 goals scored in their last 10 matches. However, they have yet to secure a victory against Manchester United in European competitions, drawing twice and losing twice in their four previous encounters.

Manchester United’s European campaign has been a silver lining in an otherwise disappointing season. They remain unbeaten in the Europa League, with five wins and a draw, including a commanding 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad. However, their recent domestic form is concerning, having failed to score in their last two Premier League matches – a 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest and a goalless draw against Manchester City. Manager Ruben Amorim has emphasised the need for caution in integrating key players returning from injury, such as 19-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.

Recent Form & Stats

• Head-to-Head: Manchester United are unbeaten against Lyon in European competitions, with two wins and two draws.

• Lyon’s Recent Form:
  
  • 2-1 win vs. Lille (Ligue 1)​
    
  • 4-2 win vs. Strasbourg (Ligue 1)​
    
  • 2-0 win vs. Nice (Ligue 1)​
    
  • 3-1 win vs. FCSB (Europa League)​
    
• 2-1 win vs. Brest (Ligue 1)​
  
• Manchester United’s Recent Form:
  
  • 0-0 draw vs. Manchester City (Premier League)​
    
  • 0-1 loss vs. Nottingham Forest (Premier League)​
    
  • 3-0 win vs. Leicester City (Premier League)​
    
  • 1-1 draw vs. Arsenal (Premier League)​
    
  • 4-1 win vs. Real Sociedad (Europa League)

Best Bets & Predictions

Prediction: Draw at 3.30.

Best Bet: Lyon to win or draw at 1.48.

Alternative Bet: Over 2.5 total goals at 1.93.

This quarter-final clash promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams eager to gain an advantage ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford. Manchester United will look to leverage their European experience, while Lyon aims to exploit their home advantage and attacking momentum.