Anderlecht - Lyon: Who can make a winning start to the UEFA Europa League?
In the first round of the UEFA Europa League, we are in for a clash between Anderlecht and Lyon. The match will take place on Thursday, September 16, kick off at 21:00 CET, and I have a betting pick for it.
Anderlecht - Lyon: match preview
In the previous campaign, Anderlecht finished fourth in the table. The team collected 33 points over the course of the season and entered the UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds. The Belgian side overcame Hammarby, PAOK and Kairat Almaty to reach the UEFA Europa League. In the Belgian league, the team has been rather inconsistent, picking up 10 points from six rounds and currently sitting seventh in the table. They are four points adrift of the top four.
Lyon have played fewer matches this season than Anderlecht. The team have played four games, collecting eight points. They currently sit fifth and have a goal difference of 6:2. Last season, Lyon finished fourth in the table, collecting 60 points from 34 rounds. They earned a chance to play in the UEFA Champions League but failed to take it. The French side beat Sparta Prague 4:2, but were then eliminated by Fenerbahce, losing 2:3.
Match facts and H2H
- Anderlecht are unbeaten in their last three matches: two wins and a draw.
- Lyon are also unbeaten in their last three matches, recording two draws and one win.
- Anderlecht have kept clean sheets in three consecutive matches.
- Anderlecht have not lost at home in 11 consecutive matches.
- Lyon have won just once in their last five matches.
- In the last head-to-head meeting, Anderlecht defeated Lyon 3:0.
Probable line-ups
- Anderlecht: Coosemans; Maamar, Biancone, Petrot, Augustinsson; Winkler, Koutsoupias, Kana, Antman; Bentayeb, Sikan
- Lyon: Greif; Athekame, Bacher, Niakhate, Abner; Bidstrup, Morton; Nuamah, Sulc, Tolisso; Openda
Prediction
Both teams are quite good and are showing fairly strong results at the moment. I think Anderlecht and Lyon can both get on the scoresheet in this game, so that is the bet I am recommending.
