Europa League: Win or Go Home at Old Trafford

Manchester United vs Olympique Lyonnais

Manchester United have yet to lose in Europe this season despite all the turmoil they’ve been through, and they’re keen to maintain their unbeaten streak when they host Lyon for the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie this Thursday at Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim is not enjoying his first half-season with the Red Devils, so winning in Europe is the only way to save their 2024-25 campaign. Manchester United are fresh from a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United at St. James’ Park, so they’re not in the best shape as they return home.

Meanwhile, Lyon are coming off a 3-1 win against Auxerre, boosting their chances of securing a Champions League berth next season. Paulo Fonseca’s side is fourth in the Ligue 1 table with 51 points.

 

Talking Points

Manchester United have a striker crisis

Manchester United not only lost 4-1 to Newcastle United last weekend, but they also lost one of the most reliable players this season. Joshua Zirkzee limped off the pitch before the hour mark, and the Dutchman could be ruled out for the rest of the 2024-25 campaign due to a serious hamstring injury.

Losing Zirkzee couldn’t have come at an inopportune time. He has improved over the past few weeks since getting booed off the pitch at Old Trafford against Newcastle United last December. He may only have three league goals and one assist this season, but Zirkzee thrived as a hybrid forward otherwise known as the No. 9.5 under Ruben Amorim.

With Chido Obi-Martin ineligible for Europe, Rasmus Hojlund could be the only natural striker available to Amorim. The Danish international had a strong start to Europe with seven goal contributions this season (five goals, two assists), and the team needs him back on the scoresheet against Lyon.

In other team news, Amorim is expected to bring back the under-fire Andre Onana to the starting XI after taking the night off against Newcastle United in favour of Altay Bayindir. Harry Maguire and Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu could also be recalled as starters.

 

Cherki is talismanic for Lyon

Manchester United have Rayan Cherki on top of their scouting report since they are reportedly interested in signing him this upcoming offseason. Cherki is one of the most versatile players in France, and the Red Devils saw it firsthand.

Cherki scored the pivotal equaliser in the first leg after exploiting Andre Onana’s butter fingers, and the 21-year-old winger-midfielder hybrid followed it up with another goal against Auxerre last weekend. He is Les Gones’ third-leading scorer and top playmaker with eight league goals and nine assists this season.

The Red Devils must also be wary of the dynamic strike partnership of Georges Mikautadze and Alexandre Lacazette, who have 21 league goals combined. Moreover, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Clinton Mata, and Nicolas Tagliafico are all set to return in defence after taking the night off against Auxerre.

 

History

Thursday marks the third meeting between Manchester United and Lyon at Old Trafford. The Red Devils won their two previous meetings at home against Lyon (2-1 in November 2004 and 1-0 in March 2008). However, Manchester United lost their last two European home matches against French sides (2-0 and 3-1 against PSG in February 2019 and December 2020) after going undefeated in their previous 14 matches between 1965 and 2017 (W10, D4).

Lyon have lost just one of their last nine European matches against English teams (W4, D4), with their last defeat being a 3-0 loss to West Ham United in the 2021-22 Europa League. Les Gones are undefeated across their last 12 Europa League away matches (W9, D3) since a 1-0 loss to Atalanta in December 2017.

 

Betting Tip

The SBOTOP Europa League 2025 odds back the hosts to win and advance to the semi-finals this Thursday. Manchester United are 1.75 favourites to win, while Lyon are priced at 3.95 odds, and a draw after 90 minutes is at 3.62 in the 1X2 market. Expect Manchester United to throw everything including the kitchen sink against Lyon, and we feel the Red Devils will somehow find a way to edge past their French counterparts. 

Besides our recommended bet, football fans can expect more Europa League 2025 highlights in the second leg, making alternatives like Over 2.50 at 1.65, Over 2.75 at 1.86, Over 3.00 at 2.09, and even Total Goal 4-6 at 2.79 viable. Furthermore, a Correct Score of 2-2 – the result of the reverse fixture which will send the match to penalties – is valued at 14.00 odds.

   

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.