Lyon should be expected to win against FK Qarabag by a scoreline of 1-2.
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FK Qarabag meet Lyon in round five of the 24/25 Europa League this Thursday, in one of the early kick-offs.
It has been a tricky start for the hosts, who have lost three of their opening four matches, seeing them struggling towards the bottom end of the table.
Consecutive home defeats against Malmo and Ajax has shown they aren’t quite up to it at this level, and it looks as though their Europa League journey may just end at this stage.
Lyon have been slightly better, picking up seven points from 12, although they did perform impressively when hammering Rangers 4-1 on the road. If they put in the same kind of performance here, they’ll return home with the three points.
The probable lineup for FK Qarabag in the “system of play.”
Kochalski; Bayramov, Medina, Huseynov, A.Huseynov, Jankovic, Andrade, Addai, Zoubir, Kashchuk, Juninho
The probable lineup for Lyon in the “system of play.”
Descamps; Abner, Caleta-Carr, Clinton Mata, Kumbedi, Caqueret, Omari, Tessmann, Orban, Benrahma, Orban
Lyon will fancy their chances when they travel to Baku for round five in the Europa League. That’s because both Malmo and Ajax have returned home with the three points without too much hassle – especially the Dutch side that ran out 3-0 winners.
On their travels, Lyon secured a good point against Hoffenheim, having previously put four past Rangers in their own stadium. They are confident on the road, and there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be here.
Qarabag surprised most with a win away against Bodo Glimt, but that run is likely to come to an end against superior opponents. Our first Europa League prediction is for Lyon to win at almost evens.
For those looking for a goalscorer angle, we believe it is wise to stick with an experienced centre-forward who knows where the back of the net is.
Alexandre Lacazette may only have two goals in 11 Ligue 1 matches, but he’s been utilised more in the Europa League – and it shows. With three goals in his four matches, which includes a last gasp equaliser against Hoffenheim, it’s hard to ignore his current form.
Despite being used from the bench more than he’d like, the ex-Arsenal striker has done his talking on the pitch, and there’s every reason to suggest he can add a fourth to his tally in Baku.
Goals and Qarabag appear to go hand in hand. They have already conceded nine goals in their four matches, but they have managed to score in three of their four matches. Only Ajax kept them at bay, but over 2.5 match goals still landed as the Dutch scored three.
In fact, over 2.5 goals have landed in all four of Qarabag’s Europa League matches. And while it has only landed in two of Lyon’s, both of their away games so far have hit the over 3.5 goal line.
Expect the game to open up if Lyon scores first, but if Qarabag continue to find the back of the net, expect Lyon to increase on the pressure – and the goals will flow.