Lyon vs Valenciennes prediction and betting tips on April 2, 2024
Dillan George
Dailysports's expert
Translated by the editors
Valenciennes
In the semi-final match of the 2023/24 Coupe de France, Lyon will play at home against Valenciennes. The match prediction for these teams has been prepared by analysts at Dailysports.
Lyon
After an initially dismal start to the season, Lyon managed to find good form, exit the relegation zone, and climb to 10th place. Talk of qualifying for European competitions through Ligue 1 is nearly nonexistent, making the Coupe de France Lyon's sole chance to qualify for the Europa League at the season's end. In the previous round, Lyon was on the brink of elimination but managed to defeat Strasbourg in a penalty shootout. In Ligue 1, Lyon has a streak of three matches without defeat, and over the weekend, the "Weavers" played a 1-1 draw against Reims.
Valenciennes
Valenciennes' presence in the Coupe de France semi-finals is a significant surprise. Valenciennes plays in Ligue 2, where with 17 points, they occupy the bottom spot and only have mathematical chances of avoiding relegation. Throughout the Ligue 2 season, Valenciennes has only achieved 2 victories in 30 matches and suffered a 0-2 loss to Saint-Étienne in the previous round. Perhaps Valenciennes wouldn't have reached the semi-finals if they hadn't faced at least one Ligue 1 representative during the tournament. In the previous round, Valenciennes eliminated the sensational Rouen in a penalty shootout and earlier defeated Saint-Priest, FC Paris, and several teams from amateur leagues.
Interesting facts about the match and head-to-head history
- Lyon and Valenciennes will meet for the first time since 2014 when Valenciennes was competing in Ligue 1.
- Valenciennes last defeated Lyon in 2011.
- Lyon could reach the Coupe de France final for the first time since the 2011/12 season.
- Valenciennes has only played in the Coupe de France final once, in the distant 1950/51 season.
Lyon vs Valenciennes prediction
I believe Lyon will not only win and advance to the final but also manage to keep a clean sheet. My bet is that only one team will score.
