One of the penultimate fixtures in the UEFA Europa League will see top dogs Lyon travel to Bern, Switzerland, to face a Young Boys outfit in desperate need of points on Thursday, 22 January.
Keep close tabs on UEFA Europa League predictions after viewing our key Young Boys vs Lyon tips below.
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Young Boys vs Lyon prediction: Les Gones to edge past the Bern natives
Key stats
- Young Boys are on a five-match losing streak, including two friendly losses.
- The hosts have won back-to-back Europa League matches on home turf.
- Lyon are on a six-match winning streak across all competitions.
- The visitors have conceded the joint fewest goals this UEL term (3).
Correct score prediction: Young Boys 1-2 Lyon
In what was supposed to be the start of a winning streak after their UEL victory over Lille, quickly turned sour, as they were beaten 6-2 two matchdays later by local rivals Grasshoppers. That was the start of a dismal five-match losing run for Gerardo Seoane’s men, who occupy 21st position in the table.
In stark contrast, Lyon are on top of the standings with 15 points from six games, the same as Midtjylland and Aston Villa, but ahead on goal difference. Les Gones have won each of their last six competitive fixtures, and remain favourites to add another victory to their hat.
With a play-off spot all but confirmed, there is little indication of Lyon slowing down here. We expect Young Boys to slip up against a confident Lyon side in this matchday seven encounter.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Lyon the favourites
- HOME: 16/5 (4.20) – 23.8%
- DRAW: 3/1 (4.00) – 25%
- AWAY: 8/11 (1.72) – 58%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Having beaten Lille 1-0 earlier last matchday, Young Boys will be itching to make it two victories on the trot against French opposition. With odds of 16/5 (4.20), the hosts have 23.8% chance of triumph.
Lyon are in better form, and their 2-1 win over Go Ahead Eagles last matchday was the start of their current six-match winning streak. The visitors are strong favourites, with odds of 8/11 (1.72) – a 58% win probability rate.
Don’t forget to check out more of our football betting tips page after analysing our Young Boys vs Lyon predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: First meeting
The two sides have already played against opposition from the other country this UEL campaign – Lyon defeating Basel 2-0, while Young Boys beat Lille 1-0 last matchday. However, this will the first meeting between Young Boys and Lyon.
Young Boys preview: Long absentee list
Tanguy Zoukrou received a late red card in the 1-0 victory over Lille and remains suspended, while Facinet Conte, Mats Seiler, Jauoen Hadjami, Ebrima Colley and Ardian Bajrami are sidelined with injuries.
Predicted lineup: Keller (GK), Andrews, Wuthrich, Benito, Mambwa, Lauper, Gigovic, Fassnacht, Sanches, Monteiro & Bedia
Last five matches:
- Young Boys 1-3 Lausanne (Swiss Super League)
- LASK 3-0 Young Boys (Club Friendly)
- Young Boys 0-2 Dinamo Bucuresti (Club Friendly)
- Lugano 3-0 Young Boys (Swiss Super League)
- Young Boys 2-6 Grasshoppers (Swiss Super League)
Lyon preview: Almost at full strength
Paulo Fonseca will miss the services of Malick Fofana, Ernest Nuamah and Rachid Ghezzal.
Predicted lineup: Greif (GK), Tagliafico, Kluivery, Mata, Maitland-Niles, Tessmann, Morton, Abner, Sulc, Moreira & Endrick
Last five matches:
- Lyon 2-1 Brest (Ligue 1)
- Lille 1-2 Lyon (Coupe de France)
- Monaco 1-3 Lyon (Ligue 1)
- Lyon 3-0 Saint-Cyr Collonges (Coupe de France)
- Lyon 1-0 Le Havre (Ligue 1)
Player to watch: Endrick
Endrick’s stood out brilliantly in his Ligue 1 debut against Brest, providing Abner Vinicius with an assist in what turned out to be one of the best individual performances of the French top-flight season. The Brazilian is expected to start the game, and will be keen to add value in a match where Lyon can cement their first position in the Europa League thanks to their goal difference.