Manchester United v Olympique Lyonnais: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Manchester United will look to return to winning ways and book their spot in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals when they entertain Olympique Lyonnais at Old Trafford on Thursday evening.

The Red Devils were fortunate to secure a 2-2 draw in France last week, with goalkeeper Andre Onana making two errors to hand the Ligue 1 outfit a share of the spoils.

Ruben Amorim's side failed to bounce back at the weekend as they lost 4-1 to Newcastle United at St James' Park, with backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir guilty of making a mistake as the Magpies cruised to victory.

Lyon warmed up for Thursday's encounter with a convincing 3-1 win at Auxerre and they will fancy their chances of at least forcing extra time in Manchester.

Manchester United v Olympique Lyonnais betting tips and predictions

Double Chance - Draw or Lyon - 1/1

Amorim's men head into Thursday's game lacking confidence and they are winless in four games in all competitions.

United's last win came in a 3-0 success against Leicester City, and they have struggled to perform against better teams.

The Red Devils continue to be plagued by defensive errors and that is unlikely to improve on Thursday. Both Onana and Bayindir have been exposed on several occasions this season and United are almost resigned to the fact that they need to score more than their opponents due to their defensive woes.

While the hosts are struggling for form, Lyon have been consistent of late and they have only lost one of their last nine games in all competitions.

Les Gones have won seven games during that run, and they have won four of their previous five on the road.

With United so fragile at the back, Lyon can take advantage and pick up at least the draw required to force a further 30 minutes on Thursday.

Over 2.5 goals - 8/13

Amorim has had his work cut out at Old Trafford since he arrived in Manchester and he will be a busy man this summer as he tries to overhaul his squad.

One positive for the former Sporting CP coach has been United's form in front of goal at home.

The Red Devils have scored in five of their last six games at Old Trafford, while they have only failed to find the back of the net in two of their previous 10 at home.

Thursday's game should be a cracker for the neutral, as Lyon have been clinical in front of goal in recent weeks.

The French outfit have scored at least two goals in six successive away games, but they have only kept a clean sheet in two of their last 12 matches on the road, hinting that more goalmouth action is likely.

Rayan Cherki to score or assist - 6/5

If Lyon are to progress to the semi-finals, then playmaker Rayan Cherki will be crucial to their chances.

The 21-year-old has scored 11 goals and secured 18 assists in 38 appearances in all competitions this season.

Cherki netted in last week's 2-2 draw at the Groupama Stadium and he has scored five goals in his previous eight appearances.

With United unable to keep teams at bay, Cherki will be confident of getting himself into good positions and he looks a cracking price to make a telling contribution.

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Manchester United v Olympique Lyonnais odds

Manchester United - 3/4
Draw - 3/1
Olympique Lyonnais - 10/3

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.

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