The Europa League quarter-finals get underway on Thursday as Lyon and Manchester United go head-to-head on the Groupama Stadium.
It has been 17 years for the reason that two groups final confronted off in opposition to one another on the continental stage, with this marking their first-ever assembly in Europe’s second-tier competitors.
For Lyon, it’s an opportunity to place an unlikely cease to a 13-year title drought after Paris Saint-Germain’s rise in Ligue 1 pushed them to French soccer’s backwaters.
As for Man Utd, this competitors is a saving grace, a one-last alternative to offer the pissed off Outdated Trafford trustworthy one thing to cheer for in these troubled instances.
With each golf equipment’ reputations hanging within the stability, an exciting showdown awaits on French soil, the place the Purple Devils have historically flourished.
Historical past doesn’t favour Lyon
Although it’s been practically 20 years since their final European assembly, Lyon will method this contest with a way of trepidation, trapped within the pit of upsetting recollections.
Paulo Fonseca’s aspect should make membership historical past to safe an all-important first-leg lead forward of the return fixture on the Theatre of Goals subsequent week.
Les Gones have drawn two of their 4 earlier encounters in opposition to the Purple Devils, dropping the opposite two through single-goal margins, which makes it for bleak studying forward of this season-defining conflict.
As if the prospect of searching for a maiden win in opposition to Man Utd isn’t disturbing sufficient, Lyon have suffered elimination from their final three two-legged UEFA ties in opposition to English golf equipment.
Nonetheless, there’s a glimmer of sunshine on the finish of the tunnel.
Unbeaten in 25 of their final 28 European dwelling outings (W14, D11), they’ve turned the Groupama Stadium right into a fortress, instilling hope among the many followers that they may pull off an upset right here.
Slipping giants
Whether or not they’re fallen or merely slipping, Man Utd should discover a method to regular themselves and rise to the event as Ruben Amorim seeks amends for a faltering begin to his tenure.
Sunday’s scoreless dwelling draw in opposition to bitter rivals Manchester Metropolis confirmed the Purple Devils’ defensive resilience however bolstered doubts over their capability to attain on the opposite finish of the pitch.
Amorim had no alternative however to just accept Gary Neville’s ‘robotic’ criticism (through Sky Sports activities) after the sport as United failed to seek out the online for the second sport on the trot after a 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest.
With the ignominy of a primary bottom-half end within the Premier League period looming bigger, that is the Purple Devils’ solely probability to salvage some pleasure and maybe set the inspiration for a brighter future.
In quest of good omens, they haven’t misplaced the primary leg of their final 11 main European knockout ties (W5, D6), suggesting they need to return dwelling with a beneficial consequence.
Staff Information
Amad Diallo, Ayden Heaven, Jonny Evans and Lisandro Martinez stay on the sidelines with accidents, but Amorim has obtained a lift forward of this journey.
Per the Night Normal, Kobbie Mainoo returned to coaching and will board the aircraft for France after overcoming a niggling calf downside that has saved him out for the reason that begin of February.
Matthijs de Ligt is a doubt, with Harry Maguire prone to hold his spot on the coronary heart of United’s backline alongside Leny Yoro after a promising efficiency in opposition to the Cityzens.
How May Man Utd Line Up?
(3-4-2-1): Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Fernandes, Garnacho; Zirkzee.
Prediction
As the one aspect but to lose a Europa League fixture this season, Man Utd ought to take this journey in excessive spirits.
Nonetheless, the guests should be cautious of Lyon’s scoring prowess, with Les Gones boasting the competitors’s document tally of 24 objectives.
With that in thoughts, defensive solidity might be key to avoiding defeat in France, although United can not afford to try for something lower than victory.
Given the crew’s immense struggles, a share of the spoils would nonetheless be a good outcome.
