MU vs Lyon score prediction: Red Devils are lucky again
MU vs Lyon: The Red Devils must win to keep their Champions League hopes alive, but Lyon are not easily defeated with their impressive away form.
The second leg between MU and Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals will take place at 2:00 a.m. on April 18 (Vietnam time), in the context that the Old Trafford team has no way back. After the 2-2 draw in France, coach Amorim and his team must win if they do not want to end the season in total disappointment.
The squad situation is making MU more worried. Striker Zirkzee has a hamstring injury, while the "injured" list is already long with De Ligt, Diallo, Heaven, Martinez, Evans and Collyer. Chido Obi-Martin is also not eligible to play in European competitions, leaving Rasmus Hojlund as the only option in attack.
Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho will continue to support Hojlund, while Onana is likely to return to the starting line-up after a rest over the weekend. In defence, Maguire and Dorgu could start, while in midfield it will be a battle between Casemiro, Ugarte and Mason Mount.
Lyon will be without Ernest Nuamah (ligament injury) and Malick Fofana, but the French side still have dangerous names such as Rayan Cherki – who scored the equaliser in the 95th minute in the first leg – along with Thiago Almada, Mikautadze and Lacazette.
MU's form is at rock bottom. The 1-4 loss to Newcastle in the Premier League marked their 14th defeat this season in the domestic league. With only 38 points after 32 rounds, they are currently 14th in the rankings and have almost no chance of competing for a European Cup spot via the Premier League.
The Europa League has therefore become MU’s last lifeline – the only way for them to maintain hope of participating in the Champions League next season. However, statistics also bring some hope: the Red Devils have never lost to Lyon in 5 encounters (won 2, drawn 3), and are the only team still undefeated in the Europa League this season (6 wins, 5 draws).
Lyon's spirits are high after a 3-1 win over Auxerre in Ligue 1, which helped them maintain fourth place and continue the race for the top three. Since the beginning of March, they have won seven of their nine matches, scoring 24 goals, and especially have a streak of 12 consecutive unbeaten away matches in the Europa League.
Although Lyon have never beaten MU, they have a young squad with a lot of energy and confidence on away field. However, when pushed into a corner, MU will have to give their all to fight for honor and the whole season.
Score prediction: MU 3-2 Lyon
An exciting open game, and a timely brilliance from Hojlund or Fernandes could be the difference between United reaching the semi-finals.
