Lyon vs Olympiacos Predictions

Lyon vs Olympiacos predictions for this game in the Europa League. Lyon aim for their first Europa League win as they host Conference League champions Olympiacos at Groupama Stadium on Thursday. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.

Europa League | League Stage | Sep 26, 2024 at 8pm UK at Stade Gerard Houllier

Lyon vs Olympiacos Predictions

Can Lyon Overcome Their Early Struggles Against Olympiacos?

• Lyon’s Defensive Struggles Continue
  • Lyon have conceded an average of 2.2 goals per game in Ligue 1 this season, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities. Despite maintaining 49.6% ball possession, their lack of defensive solidity has been exposed, with only one clean sheet in five matches.
• Olympiacos’ Efficiency in Attack
  • Olympiacos have averaged 17.6 shots per game in the Greek Super League, with 8.2 successful dribbles per match. This offensive prowess has helped them to score an average of 1.6 goals per game, even though they are yet to hit top form.
• Lyon’s Struggles at Home
  • Lyon have lost three of their last four home games, conceding a total of 11 goals. Their average of 6.8 corners per game and 3.2 big chances created indicate they are capable of threatening the opposition but fail to maintain defensive discipline, especially when playing at the Groupama Stadium.

Our Tips

Lyon are set to face Olympiacos in their opening match of the Europa League group stage at the Groupama Stadium. The French side, who finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season, secured their place in the competition after edging out Lens for the final qualification spot. Meanwhile, Olympiacos enter this match on the back of their Conference League triumph, where they impressively overcame Aston Villa and Fiorentina to lift the trophy. Both teams will be eager to start their European campaign on a positive note, particularly given their inconsistent domestic form in recent weeks.

Lyon have struggled to find their rhythm this season, with just one victory from their five Ligue 1 matches. Manager Pierre Sage is under pressure as his side languish in 14th place, only two points clear of the relegation zone. Despite creating ample scoring opportunities, their defensive frailties have been evident, conceding 11 goals already. Olympiacos, on the other hand, have fared slightly better in their domestic league, but recent performances have been underwhelming. They arrive in France with a point to prove, especially given their poor form in previous Europa League campaigns.

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score

One of the most compelling bets for this match is Both Teams to Score. Lyon have shown that they can be potent in attack, scoring in four of their last five games. Gift Orban and Alexandre Lacazette are expected to lead the line, and their recent form suggests that the hosts will have enough firepower to trouble Olympiacos’ backline. Despite their struggles, Lyon have managed to find the net in most of their matches, showcasing a resilience in attack that belies their league position.

Moreover, Lyon’s defensive record has been abysmal. They have conceded 11 goals in their last five games, a statistic that is hardly reassuring for a side hoping to secure a clean sheet. Olympiacos, who have been slightly more reliable at the back, still showed vulnerabilities in their recent 2-1 defeat to Aris. The Greek side’s form in the Europa League has been inconsistent, with only one win in their last nine matches, yet they have a knack for scoring, as seen in their Conference League run last season.

Olympiacos boast an array of attacking options, with Ayoub El Kaabi leading the line. The Moroccan forward has already netted three times this season and will be a constant threat to a Lyon defence that has struggled to keep things tight. The presence of creative players like Chiquinho and Martins means that the visitors have the quality to create opportunities and get on the scoresheet.

Given Lyon’s vulnerability at the back and their attacking potential, it’s reasonable to expect both teams to find the net. Their defensive struggles are compounded by the fact that they have been prone to errors, having committed four mistakes leading directly to goals already this season. This kind of frailty is something Olympiacos will look to exploit. “Both teams are shaky at the back and have enough attacking talent to score. I’d be surprised if either side keeps a clean sheet in this one,” comments BettingTips4You.com expert Emmanuel Nwankwo.

Correct Score Prediction: Lyon 2-2 Olympiacos

For a correct score prediction, a 2-2 draw seems like a plausible outcome. This prediction aligns with the rationale behind the best bet of both teams scoring, given the current form and defensive issues both sides are grappling with. Lyon’s attacking players, particularly Lacazette and Orban, have the ability to break through the Olympiacos defence, but their own backline is equally susceptible to lapses in concentration.

Lyon’s last home game ended in a thrilling 4-3 win over Strasbourg, indicating their ability to both score and concede in high-scoring affairs. Olympiacos, although more compact, showed against Aris that they are capable of both creating and conceding chances. The balance of quality and frailty in both squads suggests a high-scoring draw is on the cards. This prediction also reflects Lyon’s tendency to falter defensively, which could see them squander a lead or chase a comeback.

The match could see both sides taking the initiative at different stages, with the home advantage potentially giving Lyon the early impetus. However, Olympiacos have the resilience and quality to respond, making a 2-2 draw a likely outcome.

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