Manchester United vs Lyon Preview, Team News, Odds & Predictions – 04/17/2025

Manchester United will host Olympique Lyonnais for the second leg of the UEFA Europa League quarter-final as the Red Devils gear up for their biggest game of the season at Old Trafford on Thursday, April 17.

In the first leg in Lyon, Andre Onana’s blunder allowed Lyon to take the lead, and goals from Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee turned the tide in favor of the visitors, but another error from Onana in the dying minutes of the first leg made the scoreline 2-2 ahead of the second leg in Manchester.

Learn more about the odds, team news, picks, and predictions for the thrilling second leg of the UEFA Europa League quarter-final between Manchester United and Lyon:

Where to watch Manchester United vs Lyon

Here is when and where to watch the clash between Manchester United and Lyon.

Date: 04/17

Time: 3 pm ET

Location: Old Trafford, Manchester

Where to watch: The match can be watched on Paramount+ in the USA

Manchester United vs Lyon Preview

Ruben Amorim knows the importance of the fixture as Manchester United’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League depend on the outcome of the second leg at home, and the Portuguese coach would either get praised or get demolished in the English media on the basis of the result on Thursday. The Manchester United manager confirmed in the press conference on Wednesday that Onana would be starting the clash against Lyon at home while giving multiple updates about the rest of the players in his squad.

Manchester United

After going through the league stage unbeaten, Manchester United swatted aside Real Sociedad in the Round of 16, defeating the Spanish club 5-2 on aggregate. Talking about current form, the Red Devils suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of high-flying Newcastle United as Harvey Barnes shell-shocked Amorim’s makeshift defensive line in the second half after the first half ended 1-1 between the two sides.

In the match against Newcastle United on Sunday, Joshua Zirkzee was a surprise starter, and the forward was sadly taken off the field while holding his hamstring, implying that it looks unlikely that he will feature again in the ongoing season. Jonny Evans has returned to team training at Carrington but will not be available for Thursday’s fixture, while Amad Diallo was also sighted training alone on the side and should be available for the semi-final if United makes it to the next round.

Predicted Starting XI: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Fernandes, Casemiro, Dorgu; Mount, Hojlund, Garnacho

Lyon

Like United, Lyon went through the Round of 16 unscathed as they defeated FCSB 7-1 on aggregate and did enjoy a mildly successful league round as well, as they lost only one of their eight matches. On the domestic front, Lyon is currently in the fourth position and hoping to climb up to the third spot to guarantee an automatic spot in the UEFA Champions League next season, with Marseille enduring a drop in form in Ligue 1.

Lyon doesn’t have a lengthy injury line-up like United, but they do have a couple of concerns as Ernest Numuah is ruled out for the season, and Malick Fofana will also miss the Europa League clash on Thursday due to a knee injury.

Predicted Starting XI: Perri; Maitland-Niles, Mata, Niakhate, Tagliafico; Vererout, Tolisso, Akouokou; Almada; Cherki, Mikautadze

Manchester United vs Lyon Under/Over Predictions

The Playoffs aim to facilitate the safest bets for the game. Have a look at the predictions for the game below.

Total goals Over 2.5 @ -157 (MGM Bet): The Manchester-based club has been good in terms of finding the net in the Europa League campaign this season, while Lyon always finds a way to score with multiple forwards in top form for Paulo Fonseca’s men.

Manchester United vs Lyon Player Picks

Alexandre Lacazette (To Score a Goal @ +240 as per MGM Bet): The former Arsenal striker only scored once against Manchester United in eight appearances across the Premier League and the FA Cup, and the French striker would be motivated to find the back of the net to correct course against the Red Devils.

The 33-year old has kept his poaching instincts alive this season as he has found the back of the net 15 times in 35 appearances across Ligue 1 and the Europa League while also providing a couple of assists to boost his goal contribution tally.

Manchester United vs Lyon Prediction

The Red Devils have an excellent record in Europe against French clubs at home, with only Paris St. Germain denting their near-perfect record since 1956. In two matches against Lyon, United have come out on top on both occasions, which could be a merry sign for Amorim’s men.

Our Final Prediction: A 3-1 win for United would be a morale-booster and maybe just what the doctor ordered for the ailing club going through a tough season.

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Mohak Arora

A stand-up comedian and a sports journalist with speciality in writing prediction pieces and features on football, cricket, and badminton. Over the last few years, I have contributed pieces to iGaming giants like Parimatch, 1X News, and Melbet.