The UEFA Europa League competition begins on Thursday as Olympique Lyon host Red Bull Salzburg at the Stade des Lumieres. The host will be looking to take their league form into the competition, having won four of their last five French Ligue 1 games. Their recent win came against Lille, having defeated them 1-0 away from home.
The visitors, meanwhile, have been inconsistent in their last five games in all competitions. They lost their last three Austrian Bundesliga games, but were able to get back to winning ways following a narrow 2-1 away victory over Tirol at the weekend.
Read our Lyon vs Red Bull Salzburg predictions and preview to find out, but remember to also check our other UEFA Europa League predictions.
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Lyon vs Red Bull Salzburg prediction: Lyon to claim victory
Key statistics
- The forward has scored twice in his last four league games.
- Lyon have won four of their last five Ligue 1 games.
- The striker has found the net twice in his last two matches on the road.
Correct score prediction: Lyon 2-1 Red Bull Salzburg
Les Gones are the better side heading into this clash following their good form in the league and we are tipping them to win by a 2-1 scoreline. While the Red Bull has shown they are also a strong team, Lyon have also been brilliant at home.
They have won their last four home games and have a strong defensive record in front of their home fans. We believe Les Gones’ home advantage will help them secure a narrow victory against Salzburg.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Lyon strong favourites
- Home: 8/15 (1.53) – 65.4%
- Draw: 16/5 (4.20) – 23.8%
- Away: 19/4 (5.75) – 17.4%
*Odds provided by Ladbrokes. Subject to change.*
Based in the odds given, Lyon are clear favourites with a 65.4% chance of winning at 1.53 odds, boosted by their strong home record. A draw is priced at 4.20 with a 23.8% chance, while Red Bull Salzburg are outsiders at 5.75 with only a 17.4% chance, showing the difficulty of their trip to France.
Most recent head-to-head: Salzburg have won their only meeting
There is no recent head-to-head history between these two teams, with their last encounter being a club friendly back in 2011, with the match ending in a 1-0 victory for Salzburg.
After reviewing our key Lyon vs Red Bull Salzburg predictions, be sure to visit our website for the remaining football betting tips today.
Lyon preview: Key players to miss cup game
Paulo Fonseca will be without a number of players for this match. Abner is recovering from a groin injury and is expected back in early October. Remy Descamps is sidelined with a wrist injury and should return in October. Orel Mangala is also ruled out with a cruciate ligament injury and is targeting an October comeback. Ernest Nuamah faces a longer absence with a cruciate ligament injury, with his return projected for December.
Predicted lineup: Greif (GK), Tagliafico, Niakhate, Mata, Maitland-Niles, Tolisso, Morton, Tessmann, Karabec, Merah & Fofana
Last five fixtures
- 28.09.25 – Lille 0 – 1 Lyon
- 25.09.25 – Utrecht 0 – 1 Lyon
- 19.09.25 – Lyon 1 – 0 Angers
- 14.09.25 – Rennes 3 – 1 Lyon
- 31.08.25 – Lyon 1 – 0 Marseille
Red Bull Salzburg preview: Three players out of the clash
Thomas Letsch has lost some key players for this match. John Mellberg, Karim Konate and Takumu Kawamura are all sidelined with knee injuries, leaving the squad short of options in key areas. Valentin Sulzbacher is also unavailable as he recovers from a thigh injury.
Predicted lineup: Schlager (GK), Lainer, Rasmussen, Terzic, Gadou, Yeo, Diambou, Bidstrup, Ratkov, Baidoo, Alajbegovic
Last five fixtures
- 28.09.25 – Tirol 1 – 2 Salzburg
- 25.09.25 – Salzburg 0 – 1 FC Porto
- 20.09.25 – Salzburg 0 – 2 Sturm Graz
- 13.09.25 – Wolfsberger AC 3 – 1 Salzburg
- 30.08.25 – Salzburg 2 – 2 BW Linz
Player to watch: Corentin Tolisso
Corentin Tolisso will be a real threat in this game and Salzburg will need to be on the lookout for him. The French star has been a key player for the home team, scoring two goals in his last five games this season.
His ability to create chances has been key to the team's attacking play. With his experience and technical ability, he will be a major threat to the Red Bull Salzburg backline.