Lyon vs PAOK Prediction: Two of the highest scorers to deliver the goods

Lyon and PAOK collide at the Groupama Stadium in the Uefa Europa League on Thursday (20:00 GMT, TNT Sports 4), with the hosts having already secured their place in the round of 16.

PAOK are also assured of a place in the play-offs but they have a chance of breaking their way into the top eight with a victory and if other results go in their favour. Below you will find my Lyon vs PAOK predictions, aided by the latest match odds and team news.

Team News

Lyon's Ernest Nuamah is still recuperating from his cruciate ligament injury which he sustained last year. Malick Fofana is a doubt to feature because of an ankle issue, while Abner and Rachid Gezzal are dealing with groin problems.

Midfielder Corentin Tolisso has provided four goals in this competition for Les Gones and he should feature in the engine room on Thursday.

Football Odds

Luka Ivanusec is set to miss out for PAOK with a toe injury he picked up last month but the visitors don't have any other major concerns ahead of their trip to Lyon.

Andrija Zivkovic is the visitors' top scorer in Europe with three goals during the league phase, with his latest coming last time out against Real Betis. The Serbian winger is set to continue in the final third.

Today's Football Fixtures

Lyon vs PAOK Odds

Lyon are top of the table in the UEL having won six of their seven matches so far. They are 4/5 (implied probability of 55.6%) to win this contest.

PAOK have experienced three draws in this competition so far and the stalemate is valued at 11/4.

The visitors have also collected three victories and they are 16/5 to come away with the three points.

Four of Lyon's past five games have seen both teams score, and BTTS - Yes is on offer at 4/6.

Match Result & Both Teams To Score - Lyon & Yes @ 11/5

Lyon can afford to take it easy on Thursday with their place in the last 16 already secured, but they may want to continue building momentum ahead of the knockout stage.

PAOK are assured of a play-off spot at this stage but a win gives them a chance of joining their hosts in the round of 16. The visitors come into this match in form and they will try to pose problems for Les Gones.

This could be an intriguing battle given how both teams have performed up to this point but I think the home advantage, as well as the quality within their ranks, should serve Lyon well here.

I believe they will be able to win this clash but I don't anticipate them keeping a clean sheet as PAOK have found the net in all three of their away trips in the league phase so far, and Lyon's last European home game saw BTTS - Yes strike against Go Ahead Eagles.

Total Goals - Over 2.5 @ 8/11

I think over 2.5 goals is also an attractive selection here because you have teams who have enjoyed bright campaigns in the league phase and not struggled for goals.

PAOK are the second-highest scorers with 15 and Lyon have 14 for themselves. Given what is at stake for the visitors, I am predicting that this match won't be short of goals.

There have been three or more goals scored in two of Lyon's past three UEL fixtures, while over 2.5 goals has struck in all three of PAOK' away matches in the Europa League heading into Thursday.

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