April 16, 2025
2 Minute Read
Manchester United v Lyon: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips
Competition: UEFA Europa League
Kick-off: Thursday, April 17 at 19:00 (UTC)
Venue: Old Trafford
Manchester United welcome Lyon to Old Trafford for a decisive Europa League quarter-final second leg. After a thrilling 2-2 draw in France last week, it’s all to play for with a place in the semi-finals up for grabs.
United will feel slightly aggrieved after conceding late to Rayan Cherki’s equaliser in the first leg. However, the result still puts them in a strong position heading into the return leg on home soil.
With neither side involved in any other trophy hunt this season, expect a high-stakes showdown where both teams go all in.
Odds & Bookie Insight: United backed to progress
The bookmakers see Manchester United as favourites to get the job done. Mega Dice price the Red Devils at 1.76 to win in 90 minutes, with Lyon out at 4.30. A draw, which would send the tie to extra time, is 3.95.
Head to Head: Echoes of 2008?
Before last week’s tie, the clubs hadn’t met since the 2007/08 Champions League round of 16. That time, United earned a 1-1 draw in Lyon before sealing qualification with a 1-0 home win. Could history repeat itself?
Players to Watch
Goalkeeper dilemma for United
Andre Onana was under heavy scrutiny after his performance in France, not helped by his pre-match comments downplaying Lyon. He was replaced by Altay Bayindir at the weekend, but the Turkish keeper also struggled, shipping 4 goals to Newcastle.
Ruben Amorim must now decide between reinstating Onana, taking a chance on Bayindir, or turning to veteran Tom Heaton for a steadier hand.
Cherki the danger man
Lyon’s Rayan Cherki proved his worth again with that dramatic late goal in the first leg and remains a key threat. His creativity between the lines will be a major factor at Old Trafford.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United:
Onana – Dalot, Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro, Dorgu – Ugarte, Casemiro – Fernandes, Garnacho – Højlund
Lyon:
Perri – Maitland-Niles, Mata, Niakhate, Tagliafico – Tolisso, Veretout, Akouokou – Almada, Cherki, Mikautadze
United have several injury concerns including Zirkzee, Amad Diallo, Evans, and Lisandro Martinez, while Lyon are expected to stick with the same starting XI from the first leg.
Stat to Know
United have scored 2+ goals in each of their last 2 Europa League matches. You can back them to do it again at 1.69, an option that offers value if you’re expecting another open game.
Betting Tips & Predictions
- Man Utd to Win – 1.76
- Over 9.5 Corners – 1.86
- Bruno Fernandes Anytime Goalscorer – 2.60
Odds are correct at the time of writing.
