Luis Torres
Dailysports's expert
One of the fixtures of Ligue 1's 34th round will take place on Saturday, May 17, at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais, where hosts Lyon will face Angers. Let’s take a look at a bet on team scoring in this match.
Lyon
Heading into the final round of the season, Lyon have put themselves in a tough spot. The team lost their last two games—0-2 against Monaco in the previous round and 1-2 to Lens before that. These defeats have seriously complicated their fight for European places. Now, Lyon need nothing less than a win in the final round, as well as slip-ups from their rivals—Strasbourg or Lille. Only with this scenario can Lyon reach the European zone, thanks to a superior goal difference.
Lyon’s home record is a positive sign. The team have lost just once in their last seven home matches—that sole defeat coming against Lens. The other six games include five wins and a draw across all competitions. Lyon also boast a strong home record against Angers: six wins and one draw in their last seven encounters at home.
Angers
Angers have done everything possible in the last two rounds to secure their Ligue 1 status for next season. A vital 1-0 away win over Nantes, followed by a 2-1 home victory against Strasbourg, has allowed them to move five points clear of the relegation zone. Now, Angers can approach the final round with less pressure and play more freely.
Their away form, however, remains inconsistent: three defeats, one draw, and that crucial win over Nantes in their last five road games. It's also worth noting that Angers lost heavily to Lyon at home in the first half of the season, 0-3.
Interesting facts and head-to-head
- Lyon have lost three of their last four matches.
- Both teams have scored in nine of Lyon’s last ten matches.
- Angers have lost three of their last four away games.
- Lyon have won eight of the last nine head-to-head matches against Angers.
- Lyon have won their last five home meetings with Angers.
- Three of the last four head-to-heads have seen over 3.5 goals.
Probable lineups
- Lyon: Perri, Tagliafico, Maitland-Niles, Caleta-Car, Niakate, Matic, Veretout, Cherki, Almada, Fofana, Lacazette.
- Angers: Fofana, Arcus, Lefort, Camara, Anene, Coucourl, Ould Khaled, Raolisoa, Allevinah, Abdelli, El Melali.
Lyon vs Angers prediction
This match promises plenty of goals. Lyon desperately need not just a win, but a convincing one—with as large a goal margin as possible to keep their European dreams alive. Angers, having already achieved their main goal, enter the match without pressure, which could make the game more open. My bet for this clash is over 3 goals at odds of 1.62.
