The mid-week never fails to upset soccer fans as it brings the most-anticipated European action. Returning for some UEFA Europa League display is Manchester United, who will be hosting Olympique Lyonnais at Old Trafford ahead of the quarter-final second leg on Thursday night. Having left separated in the opening game after the contest ended in a 2-2 draw on April 10, either side would be desperate to settle the entry ticket to the semifinals the hard way.
Though United had a chance for a perfect away win, a poor goalkeeping display from Andre Onana killed the buzz. It all began within 25 minutes when Lyon took a lead through a hopeful free-kick from Thiago Almada. The Argentinian struck a mere long ball for his teammates, which ended up in the goal with just a bounce, slightly grazing Onana’s gloves despite his perfect dive. Fortunately, the Red Devils were able to find an equalizer before the first half. Alejandro Garnacho won a free kick proximally to the tight right area outside the box.
While Bruno Fernandez‘s delivery was punched by Lyon’s goalie, Manuel Ugarte‘s hopeful volley found its way to Leny Yoro, who head propelled the ball into the net. In fact, around the 88th minute, United thought they had it in the bag after Joshua Zirkzee netted a brilliant header. However, drama ensued as Lyon found United’s defense sluggish. A constant battle near the 6-yard box saw a shot from Onana get deflected but talisman Rayan Cerki was able to score a chip on the rebound.
Now, with the score being levelled, either side would be looking to make the most of the second leg. Speaking of which, let’s know more about the emphatic clash.
Manchester United vs Lyon: Preview
Before snipping the ribbon to their quarter-final campaign, Manchester United played a stalemate derby against Pep Guardiola’s City. Of course, things have been slow for either of the Manchester sides domestically, but it’s majorly the red side that is hurt. Ruben Amorim and Co. occupy 13th place at the table with a tally of just 36 points.
Now before hosting the second leg, United will be traveling to St. James Park to face Newcastle United. A rather subdued squad is expected to be hosted by the Magpies as the Red Devils would be looking to unleash their best players at home in the mid-week.
Meanwhile, Olympique Lyonnais entered the first quarter-final leg with a 2-1 win over LOSC Lille in their domestic game. Paulo Fonseca‘s side is sitting in fifth place in the Ligue 1 table with a tally of 48 points. Before traveling to England, they will also be playing an away weekend domestic clash against AJ Auxerre.
Injury and suspension news for UEFA Europa League clash
Manchester United
Matthijs de Ligt remains one of the biggest absentees for United. He allegedly sustained an ankle blow after twisting it during a defeat to Nottingham Forrest. Though he was able to complete the 90 minutes, the Dutch international left the City limping, later missing the clash as well. Even against Lyon, he remained absent, which only concludes that there is no exact return date available regarding his return.
Fortunately, Kobbie Mainoo was able to heave a sigh of relief among his ardent fans after making a short appearance in leg 1. Meanwhile, the rest of the confirmed absentees are Lisandro Martinez (knee), Amad Diallo, Ayden Heaven (both ankle), Toby Collyer (leg), and Jonny Evans (back).
Olympique Lyonnais
Ernest Nuamah was the latest blow that Lyon suffered after their star winger sustained an ACL injury within 7 minutes into the game against Lille. He has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, another unavailable star till the end of the season is Malick Fofana, who sustained a knee injury.
Head-to-head stats
The recent UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg marked the fifth meeting between the two sides. They previously faced each other twice in both the 2004 and 2008 Champions League campaigns, with Manchester United winning two of those encounters with the other two ending in draws.
Expected starting XI
Manchester United: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Ugarte, Eriksen, Dorgu; Fernandes, Zirkzee, Højlund
Lyon: Perri; Maitland-Niles, Mata, Niakhate, Tagliafico; Tessmann, Matic; Cherki, Tolisso, Almada; Mikautadze
Prediction for Man Utd vs Lyon
As desperate as Manchester United is to save their season with a dream Europa League win, it’s time they start reflecting and introspecting for their next season. In the second leg, Lyon is the favorite winner pick, with a 47.01% chance of victory. Even if the home side manages to win the game, they will be doing so with a 32.09% probability.
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