Lyon v Man Utd: Europa League predictions, tips and bet builder as Red Devils yearn for season reprieve
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana
Manchester United are preparing for the biggest game of their season so far as they travel to Lyon for the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final (2000 GMT).
With their Premier League campaign a complete write-off, United’s only saving grace is the Europa League.
Winning the continental competition would not only secure entry into the Champions League next season but it would also secure a trophy to make their dreadful season seem a tad less depressing.
Trouble is, United don’t look like winning matches… nevermind whole competitions.
The Red Devils tasted victory three times in their last 10 matches – two of those coming against teams in the Premier League relegation zone.
Their third victory in that run, meanwhile, was a 4-1 demolition of Real Sociedad in the previous round of the Europa League.
For all their troubles domestically, United have actually performed rather well on the continent. Ruben Amorim’s men are unbeaten in 10 matches in the competition, scoring 21 goals along the way.
Critics will inevitably point to the level of opposition and they have a point. PAOK, Bodo/Glimt, Viktoria Plzen, FCSB… less group of death and more play time at the zoo.
Nevertheless, standing across United on Thursday will be a whole tougher opponent. Lyon are in the midst of a super winning run and are intent on ending their wait for a first major European crown.
Paulo Fonseca’s side will have no fear of this underwhelming United side, which should make for fascinating viewing. Here, we take a closer look at this tasty first leg and pick out some of the best bets along the way.
Good luck, and please gamble responsibly.
(All odds are correct at the time of article publication)
Lyon v Man Utd bet builder
Georges Mikautadze to score anytime – 17/10
Andre Onana 3+ total saves – 8/13
Lyon to win
Lyon come into Thursday’s game with a terrific run of six wins from seven games under their belt.
Incredibly, their one defeat during that run was inflicted by none other than Liam Rosenior’s high-flying Strasbourg side that stunned Ligue 1 with a 4-2 victory.
Still, six wins from seven games is a serious momentum builder. Lyon scored 19 goals across those matches, meaning finding the back of the net is not a problem for Fonseca’s side.
United, on the other hand, are struggling for results. Their goalless draw with Man City last time out looks good on paper and paper alone. Five days before that, the Red Devils were beaten 1-0 by Nottingham Forest.
Ultimately, there’s a lot to like about Lyon and not a lot to like about United. Priced at 6/4, we’re going with the French side in this one.
Georges Mikautadze to score anytime
Of everyone in the Lyon team, we like the look of Georges Mikautadze. The Georgian forward has scored eight goals in his last six appearances for club and country. He also produced five assists during that time.
With such impressive numbers under his belt, we’re backing the 24-year-old to cause United’s defence a lot of problems. The former Ajax man is well priced at 17/10 to score anytime.
Andre Onana 3+ total saves
Only one team has managed to win at the Groupama Stadium since late October and you won’t be shocked to learn that PSG are the culprits.
Lyon have won five of their last six at home and scored four goals in half of those fixtures.
Bearing all those stats in mind, we’re backing United goalkeeper Andre Onana to have a busy shift.
Under 10.5 corners
This bet has landed in three of Man United’s previous four matches – including their goalless draw with Man City which produced eight corners.
Considering we expect a close first leg in Lyon, we’re backing the under 10.5 corner market.
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