Manchester United vs. Lyon: Europa League Quarterfinal Match Preview
Manchester United and Lyon are set to face off once again in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League quarterfinal matchup on Thursday, April 17, 2025. The clash comes after a closely contested first leg, which ended in a 2-2 draw following a late equalizer from French forward Rayan Cherki. The match will take place at Old Trafford in Manchester, with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m. ET.
Recent Performances and Context
In the lead-up to this pivotal encounter, both teams have had contrasting results in their respective leagues. Lyon, competing in Ligue 1, triumphed over Auxerre with a score of 3-1, maintaining momentum as they approach the crucial second leg. Meanwhile, Manchester United faced a setback, suffering a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle in the Premier League.
As they prepare for this match, Manchester United is the favorite according to betting odds, listed at -130 to win in regular time. In contrast, Lyon is considered the underdog at +330. A draw is priced at +300, while the over/under for total goals scored is set at 2.5, reflecting the attacking capabilities of both teams.
Statistical Insights and Predictions
SportsLine soccer expert Brandt Sutton has highlighted specific betting angles for the match. He predicts that both teams will score, and that there will be over 2.5 goals in total, given the offensive strengths and recent performances of both sides. Lyon has experienced "Both Teams to Score" (BTTS) success in five consecutive matches, and eight of Manchester United’s last eleven fixtures have featured goals from both teams. The expert pointed out that Lyon has conceded two or more goals in three of their last five matches, while United has not kept a clean sheet in Europa League play since January.
In addition, Sutton forecasts that there will be over nine corners in this match, emphasizing that both teams are likely to aggressively pursue scoring opportunities, which could lead to more chances and corners.
Where to Watch and Betting Options
Viewers can catch the match live via Paramount+, available through a trial subscription, which could attract fans eager to follow this high-stakes showdown. Betting options for the Europa League matches are available from various sportsbooks, offering different promotional incentives to engage fans.
Significance of the Match
The outcome of this match is crucial for both teams, as they seek to advance to the semifinals of a prestigious European tournament. For Manchester United, a strong win at home would be essential to regain some momentum after their recent league defeat and solidify their standing in European competition. Lyon, on the other hand, would look to build on their form and secure a significant away result that could help them in the tie.
The aggregate outcome of this matchup not only influences the teams’ trajectories in the Europa League but also has implications on their domestic forms, adding additional layers of intrigue to this quarterfinal bout. The engagement and performances expected in this match illustrate the competitive nature of European football and the stakes involved for both clubs.
