Manchester United vs Lyon Prediction: Goals expected at Old Trafford

Manchester United have work to do if they are to end this season with silverware. They were forced to settle for a draw in the first leg of their Uefa Europa League quarter-final tie with Lyon, who they welcome to Old Trafford on Thursday (20:00, TNT Sports 1).

United took the lead on the 88th minute in France last week, only to concede a crushing equaliser deep into stoppage time, thanks to another error from Andre Onana. This match will be another tough test for them and you can check out my Manchester United vs Lyon predictions below, supported by the latest team news and match odds.

Football Odds

Team News

United are missing Lisandro Martinez (knee), Jonny Evans (muscle), Ayden Heaven, Amad Diallo (both ankle) and Toby Collyer (leg) due to injury, so they will not be involved on Thursday.

Joshua Zirkzee has also been ruled out following the muscular issue he picked up on Sunday against Newcastle.

Matthijs de Ligt is a doubt to feature, having missed the last three matches with a problem of his own, so he could miss out again. Harry Maguire was rested in the defeat to Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday, but he is expected to man the heart of the back three again when Lyon come to town.

Ruben Amorim made the decision to drop Andre Onana for his blunders in the first leg, with Altay Bayindir starting against the Magpies. It did not have the desired effect, however, as they shipped four goals on his Premier League debut.

Patrick Dorgu and Rasmus Hojlund were dropped to the bench at the weekend but are likely to come back into the line-up to face Lyon.

As for Lyon, winger Ernest Nuamah looks set to miss the rest of the campaign after being taken off after just seven minutes against Lille on April 5. Malick Fofana, who has six goals in this competition, is out of action with a knee injury.

In his absence, Paulo Fonseca could opt for the same forward line that started on home turf last week - Rayan Cherki, Thiago Almada and Georges Mikautadze - with the former two getting on the scoresheet. Alexandre Lacazette will be eager to feature, and his goal on Sunday against Auxerre could help his case.

In the middle of the park, Paul Akouokou could re-join Corentin Tolisso and Jordan Veretout after sitting out against Auxerre. Former United midfielder Nemanja Matic played instead, and he will be hoping to get some minutes at his old stomping ground on Thursday.

Former Arsenal man Ainsley Maitland-Niles is expected to operate at right-back, with Nicolas Tagliafico patrolling the left side of the back line.

Manchester United vs Lyon Odds

Man United have won four of their five home matches in the Europa League this season, including each of their last four. They are perceived as the 4/6 (which has an implied probability of 60%) favourites to win in regulation time.

Five of their 11 fixtures to date have ended in a stalemate, including last time out in the first leg. The draw is on offer at 3/1 this time around.

Lyon are 7/2 to win in 90 minutes, which they have accomplished in three of their five away contests in this competition to date.

United's past three games in Europe have produced goals at both ends, and BTTS can be backed at 8/13 on Thursday.

Rayan Cherki has scored three goals in as many games across all competitions ahead of Lyon's trip to Old Trafford. He is valued at 3/1 to score anytime.

Both teams to score @ 8/13

Given the twists and turns of last week's encounter, I think it's safer to avoid calling a result at Old Trafford. Both teams to score looks a lot more appealing because United have managed just two clean sheets from their past 14 games in all competitions.

They look defensively frail, which isn't helped by their goalkeepers being prone to errors. Onana was responsible for both Lyon goals in the first leg and the French club will target him if he returns between the sticks on Thursday.

BTTS has been a winning selection in nine of United's 11 fixtures in the Europa League in 2024/25, including each of their last three. For Lyon, there have been goals at both ends of the pitch in eight of their 11 matches, including four of their five road trips.

Both clubs have players capable of scoring. He may not be prolific in the league but Hojlund has five goals in the UEL for Man United. Lyon forward Georges Mikautadze has four for himself. The two players could play key roles for their teams at Old Trafford but the two I believe will have the biggest impact for their sides are Bruno Fernandes and Cherki.

Over 3.5 goals @ 13/8

For my second selection, I have opted for over 3.5 goals, because I think we could be treated to another high-scoring contest between these two sides. United have great concerns in the goalkeeping department and Lyon are likely going to gifted some chances on top of what they can conjure themselves.

There have been at least four goals scored in four of United's 11 Europa League games to date including each of their last two. Over 3.5 goals has struck in the Red Devils' past three matches in all competitions, which does bode well for the visit of Lyon on Thursday.

Les Gones have seen seven of their 11 European games produce four or more goals, of which four of them have come on their travels.

Offers

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