A first-ever meeting takes place between FC Utrecht and last year’s quarter-finalists Lyon, as the two teams collide on matchday one of UEFA Europa League at Stadion Galgenwaard on Thursday, 25 September.
Keep close tabs on UEFA Europa League predictions after viewing our key Utrecht vs Lyon tips below.
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Utrecht vs Lyon prediction: Les Gones to claim narrow victory
Key stats
- Five of Utrecht’s last six defeats have been by a single goal margin.
- The Cathedral Citizens have lost back-to-back games in Eredivisie.
- Lyon have won four of their opening five league games this term.
- Les Gones’ last five wins have all been accompanied with a clean sheet.
Correct score prediction: Utrecht 1-2 Lyon
After scraping past Bosnian side Zrinjski in the final round of UEL qualifiers thanks to a 2-0 first-leg victory, Utrecht began their Eredivisie campaign with a win over Zwolle, but Ron Jans’ men quickly slumped to successive defeats.
Meanwhile, Lyon have impressed more than most, winning four of their opening five Ligue 1 fixtures, barring a 3-1 loss to Rennes. The visitors have lost just two of their previous 32 UEL group/league stage games.
While Utrecht are in shaky form following back-to-back losses, Lyon will be brimming with confidence in their European opener against a side making their first continental appearance since the 2010/11 UEL season. We expect Lyon to pull through with a narrow triumph at Stadion Galgenwaard.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Bookies back the Kids
- HOME: 23/10 (3.30) – 30.3%
- DRAW: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.7%
- AWAY: 21/20 (2.05) – 48.7%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Utrecht are winless on the European stage since a 4-0 win over Djurgarden in September 2004, a streak of 11 successive games. As bookies indicate with 23/10 (3.30) odds, they might just taste defeat with a minority 30.3% win probability rate.
Lyon, on the other hand, have won three of their four UEL matches (L1) against sides from the Netherlands, scoring 15 goals in the process. They are priced at 21/20 (2.05) odds, indicating a 48.7% chance of success.
Visit our football betting tips page for more free predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: Maiden encounter
The two teams have never met before. Utrecht have met French opposition once before – in the 2003/04 UEFA Cup, losing 4-0 to Auxerre on aggregate. Meanwhile, Lyon have played Dutch sides 14 times in major European competition (W7, D3, L4).
Utrecht preview: A whole list of abentees
Jans is without the services of Dani de Wit, Rafik El Arguioui, Davy van den Berg, Emirhan Demircan and Victor Jensen. Five other players are sidelined due to fitness issues.
Predicted lineup: Barkas (GK), Horemans, Hoorn, Viergever, El Karouani, Engwanda, Iqbal, Blake, Bozdogan, Zechiel & Min
Last five matches:
- Fortuna Sittard 1-0 Utrecht (Eredivisie)
- Utrecht 0-1 Groningen (Eredivisie)
- PEC Zwolle 0-2 Utrecht (Eredivisie)
- Utrecht 0-0 Zrinjski (UEFA Europa League)
- Utrecht 4-1 Excelsior (Eredivisie)
Lyon preview: Important names missing
Goalkeeper Remy Descamps is still suffering with a wrist injury, while Corentin Tolisso is serving a suspension. Ernest Nuamah, Abner Vinicius and Orel Mangala are out with injuries.
Predicted lineup: Greif (GK), Maitland-Niles, Mata, Niakhate, Tagliafico, Tessmann, Morton, Karabec, Merah, Fofana & Satriano
Last five matches:
- Lyon 1-0 Angers (Ligue 1)
- Rennes 3-1 Lyon (Ligue 1)
- Lyon 1-0 Marseille (Ligue 1)
- Lyon 3-0 Metz (Ligue 1)
- Lens 0-1 Lyon (Ligue 1)
Player to watch: Ainsley Maitland-Niles
The ex-Arsenal defender has been instrumental for Lyon this campaign, racking up two assists already across five games. The 28-year-old will prove pivotal in keeping Paulo Fonseca’s backline tight, while also offering his services upfront during counterattacks.