The second leg of the 2024/25 Europa League quarter-final between Manchester United (England) and Lyon (France) will take place on April 17 at Old Trafford. The first match ended in a 2-2 draw. Manchester United vs. Lyon: prediction, statistics.
Manchester United
The Red Devils achieved an acceptable result in the first match. The team drew 2-2 in France, although they could have won, conceding the second goal in the 95th minute. Interestingly, Manchester United is the only participant in the Champions League and Europa League who has not yet lost this European season. To advance further in the tournament, the English team needs to win the return match. Notably, the club last reached the Europa League semi-finals in the 2020/21 season.
- The club's unbeaten streak in this tournament is 11 matches (6 wins and 5 draws).
- Both teams scored in 6 of Manchester United's last 7 Europa League games.
- The Red Devils have scored at least two goals in 8 of their last 9 home matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Manchester United (3-4-3)
Andre Onana – Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui – Diogo Dalot, Patrick Dorgu, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes – Manuel Ugarte, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Højlund.
Defenders Aidan Heven, Lisandro Martinez, and Jonny Evans, as well as forwards Joshua Zirkzee and Amad Diallo are out due to injuries.
Lyon
The French team is unlikely to be satisfied with the result of the home match, which ended in a draw, as they now need to win at Old Trafford. If the teams do not determine a winner again, extra time will be played. It should be noted that Lyon has not lost in the Europa League for eight matches, with four wins and four draws. The last time the French team reached the semi-finals of this tournament was in 2017.
- Both teams scored in 6 of Lyon's last 8 Europa League games.
- At least three goals were scored in 6 of the last 8 matches of the French team in this European competition.
- The club has scored in 11 of its last 12 away games in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Lyon (4-3-3)
Lucas Perry – Nicolas Tagliafico, Moussa Niakate, Clinton Mata, Ainsley Maitland-Niles – Paul Akouokou, Jordan Veretout, Corentin Tolisso – Thiago Almada, Rayan Cherki, Giorgi Mikautadze.
Forward Ernest Nuamah is out due to injury.
Referee
Sandro Schärer (Switzerland)
Matches – 13 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 44;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.4;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 23%.
Manchester United vs. Lyon: Match Prediction
The first match was an evenly contested battle. Neither team had a significant advantage in any aspect, and it is likely that the return leg will follow a similar pattern. Both teams are in good form in this European competition: the Red Devils have not lost in the current tournament, while the French team is unbeaten in the Europa League for eight consecutive matches. I predict that both teams will extend their unbeaten runs after 90 minutes in this European competition.
The Red Devils have not lost in their last ten home matches in this tournament, with 8 wins and 2 draws, while the French team has an impressive 12-match unbeaten run away in the Europa League (9 wins and 3 draws). Moreover, both clubs are focusing on the European competition this season: Lyon is fourth in Ligue 1 but could be displaced from this position by at least three lower-ranked clubs; Manchester United, on the other hand, has had a disappointing Premier League season, sitting only in 14th place, with no chance of finishing in the European competition zone.
I believe the clash of motivated and evenly matched opponents will extend beyond regular time. My prediction: Draw
