The Matchday 34 clash in Ligue 1 between Lyon and Angers will take place on May 17 at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais. Lyon vs. Angers: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Lyon
Lyon suffered their second consecutive defeat in Ligue 1, losing 0-2 to Monaco in the previous round. This loss also ended their 14-match scoring streak in the French championship. As a result of these setbacks, the team has fallen out of the European competition zone, dropping from 5th to 7th place in the Ligue 1 standings. Lyon is now three points behind their nearest rivals and only has a mathematical chance of finishing in the top six. Despite the recent "dry" defeat, Lyon remains one of the most prolific teams in the current championship, scoring 63 times, only surpassed by PSG (89) and Marseille (70). It's also worth noting that 10 of their 16 victories this season in Ligue 1 have come at home, where they also drew twice and suffered 4 defeats.
- Lyon's uncompromising run in the French championship stands at 14 matches (8 wins, 6 losses).
- Both teams scored in 7 of Lyon's last 8 matches in this tournament.
- At home, the team has won 8 of their last 11 Ligue 1 matches (1 draw, 2 losses).
Projected Lyon Lineup (4-5-1)
Lucas Perry – Nicolas Tagliafico, Moussa Niakhate, Clinton Mata, Ainsley Maitland-Niles – Nemanja Matic, Tanner Tessmann, Jordan Veretout, Thiago Almada, Malik Fofana – Alexandre Lacazette.
Angers
Conversely, Angers won their last two league matches, defeating Nantes (1-0) and Strasbourg (2-1). These results have lifted the team to 13th place in the Ligue 1 standings, ensuring their place in the top tier for the next season. Ahead of the final match of the championship, Angers has a five-point lead over the playoff zone. However, they will not climb higher in the standings. Notably, Angers' away matches have been the least productive in this Ligue 1 season, averaging 2 goals per game. The team has conceded only 18 times on the road this season, with only Lens (17) having a better defensive record.
- The club has lost 7 of their last 10 Ligue 1 matches (3 wins).
- No more than 3 goals have been scored in 9 consecutive Angers matches in the top French division.
- The team has won with a handicap (+1.5) in 13 of their last 15 away matches in the championship.
Projected Angers Lineup (4-4-2)
Yahya Fofana – Carlen Arcus, Jordan Lefort, Ousmane Camara, Florent Hanin – Lilian Rao-Lisoa, Yassine Belkhdim, Marius Courcoul, Jim Allevinah – Esteban Lepaul, Himad Abdelli.
Midfielder Yassine Belkhdim will not play due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
Referee
Stephanie Frappart (France)
Matches – 15 (Ligue 1, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 59;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.9;
Red cards shown – 4;
Average fouls per match – 27;
Penalties – 20%.
Match Prediction: Lyon vs. Angers
The end of the season, marred by two defeats, prevented Lyon from competing for a European spot. The club was even in contention for a Champions League place until the end. Yes, Paulo Fonseca's team still has theoretical chances of finishing in the top six, but for that to happen, Nice, Lille, and Strasbourg would all need to lose in the final round. Nevertheless, I am confident that the hosts will not give up the fight. Lyon will play their final match of the current championship at home, against a league outsider. I have no doubt that the hosts will attack throughout the game to delight their home fans with a victory and plenty of goals.
Lyon has already performed well in home matches this Ligue 1 season, winning 8 of their last 11 home games in this tournament. The upcoming match will also be the farewell game for club legend Alexandre Lacazette, who announced his departure from Lyon at the end of the season. Therefore, I believe Lyon will take out their recent frustrations on their upcoming opponent. I expect a victory for the hosts and at least 2 goals from them.
Moreover, Lyon has scored at least twice in 6 of their last 7 home matches in Ligue 1. Therefore, my prediction is: Win for Lyon + Individual Total Over 1.5 goals for Lyon
