UEFA Europa League leaders Olympique Lyonnais will look to consolidate their top spot with a victory over 12th-placed PAOK, who carry the tag of this campaign’s top scorers, at Parc Olympique Lyonnais on Thursday, 29 January.
Keep close tabs on UEFA Europa League predictions after viewing our key Lyon vs PAOK tips below.
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Lyon vs PAOK prediction: Can the Greeks avoid defeat in France?
Key stats
- Lyon are on an eight-match winning streak across all competitions.
- The hosts have conceded the joint-fewest goals this UEL season (3).
- PAOK are winless in two of their three Europa League trips this campaign (W1).
- The Dikefalos are this UEL season’s second-highest scorers with 15 goals.
Correct score prediction: Lyon 2-2 PAOK
As the league leaders and first team to qualify to the knockouts, Lyon have little to worry as they head into this final league phase matchday. Their 5-2 win over lowly Metz in Ligue 1 marked Paulo Fonseca’s eighth consecutive victory across all competitions – Lyon’s best run in 20 years.
Meanwhile, the double-headed eagles are flying high as well, now winning seven successive competitive outings, with Real Betis their latest victim last week. Razvan Lucescu’s men sit eleven places below the hosts, but require all three points and results elsewhere to go in their favour to land a top-eight automatic qualification spot.
While PAOK have been impressive on the frontline, their defensive displays have not been upto mark. Lyon, on the other hand, are experiencing their best form since 2006, but could struggle against PAOK’s attack. As per observations, we predict a nail-biting draw in this final UEL matchday matchup.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Lyon all the way
- HOME: 4/6 (1.66) – 60.2%
- DRAW: 3/1 (4.00) – 25%
- AWAY: 19/5 (4.80) – 20.8%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Lyon marginally hold the top spot above Aston Villa on goal difference, and will need more than just a draw to cling onto their position. Bookies favour the hosts with odds of 4/6 (1.66), suggesting a 60.2% chance of success at home.
PAOK have registered four consecutive clean sheets across all competitions, but it is unlikely for for Lyon to go goalless. With odds of 19/5 (4.80), the Difekalos carry a 20.8% win probability rate.
Don’t forget to check out more of our football betting tips page after analysing our Lyon vs PAOK predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: Winless Lyon
PAOK and Lyon met in the 1973/74 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, with the Greeks going unbeaten with a win (4-0) at home and away draw (3-3) at Stade de Gerland.
Lyon preview: Can they end up the top seed?
Nicolas Tagliafico will miss this match through injury, Abner Vinicius and Malick Fofana. Brazilian starlet Endrick is sidelined due to a UEFA rule for winter signings that bars him from appearing in the competition until the knockout stages.
Predicted lineup: Descamps (GK), Maitland-Niles, Kluivert, Mata, Tagliafico, De Carvalho, Tessmann, Karabec, Tolisso, Moreira & Sulc
Last five matches:
- Metz 5-2 Lyon (Ligue 1)
- Young Boys 1-4 Lyon (UEFA Europa League)
- Lyon 2-1 Brest (Ligue 1)
- Lille 1-2 Lyon (Coupe de France)
- Monaco 1-3 Lyon (Ligue 1)
PAOK preview: One injury
Luka Ivanusec is the only confirmed absentee for PAOK.
Predicted lineup: Tsiftsis (GK), Kenny, Kedziora, Michailidis, Rahman, Ozdoyev, Meite, Zivkovic, Pelkas, Konstantelias & Giakoumakis
Last five matches:
- PAOK 2-0 Real Betis (UEFA Europa League)
- PAOK 3-0 OFI Crete (Greek Super League)
- Olympiakos 0-2 PAOK (Greek Cup)
- Panetolikos 0-3 PAOK (Greek Super League)
- PAOK 1-1 Atromitos (5-4 on penalties) (Greek Cup)
Player to watch: Corentin Tolisso
Tolisso appeared for just 15 minutes in Lyon’s 1-0 victory over Young Boys Bern, and will look to make his first full start in three games. He provided an assist for Endrick’s opener in the 5-2 triumph over Metz over he weekend, but substituted at half-time.