Matchday 8 of the 2024/25 Europa League group stage between Lyon (France) and Ludogorets (Bulgaria) will take place on January 30 at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais. Lyon vs. Ludogorets: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Lyon
In the last round, the team played to a goalless draw with Fenerbahce. Lyon has been performing well in the Europa League group stage, having lost only once in seven matches (4 wins, 2 draws). They currently sit in fifth place in the standings and have already secured a spot in the playoffs. However, dropping points in the upcoming match could cost them a place in the top eight. Notably, Lyon has scored 15 goals in the group stage, a tally only surpassed by Lazio (17) and Galatasaray (18).
Poor performances in the French Cup and league led to the dismissal of head coach Pierre Sage. Key forward Malik Fofana will miss the game due to health issues. Additionally, forward Said Benrahma will be unavailable as he prepares for a transfer.
- The team has conceded in regular time in 5 of their last 6 home matches in this tournament.
- No more than three goals have been scored in 90 minutes in 7 of Lyon's last 8 home Europa League matches.
- There was a draw in the first half in 4 of the last 5 of the club's home matches in this European competition.
Ludogorets
Igor Jovicevic's side lost 0-2 to Midtjylland in the previous round. This result extended their winless streak to seven matches in the Europa League (3 draws, 4 losses). The team is currently ranked 33rd in the standings and is already out of playoff contention. Notably, Ludogorets have yet to score in away games during the group stage, a record unmatched by any other team in the tournament.
Key defender Aslak Fonn Witry and forward Kwadwo Duah will miss the game due to health issues. Additionally, forward Bernard Tekpetey is still recovering from an injury.
- The club has not conceded more than two goals in regular time in their last 6 away Europa League matches.
- At least one team failed to score in 4 of Ludogorets' last 5 away matches in this European competition.
- No more than three goals have been scored in regular time in the last 6 away matches in the Europa League.
Predicted lineups for Lyon vs. Ludogorets
Lyon (4-3-3): Lucas Perry – Abner, Moussa Niakate, Clinton Mata, Sael Kambedi – Rayan Cherki, Nemanja Matic, Corentin Tolisso – Malik Fofana, Georgiy Mikautadze, Said Benrahma.
Ludogorets (4-3-3): Hendrik Bonmann – Anton Nedyalkov, Dinís Almeida, Olivier Verdon, Son – Ivaylo Chochev, Jakub Piotrowski, Aguibou Camara – Caio Vidal, Ruan Cruz, Eric Markus.
Each team has listed the starting lineup from their previous match in this tournament.
Referee: Anastasios Sidiropoulos (Greece)
Matches – 5 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 25;
Average yellow cards per match – 5;
Red cards shown – 4;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 20%.
Lyon vs. Ludogorets: Match Prediction
Lyon has often dropped points in recent home games in the Europa League, and when they do win, it's rarely by a large margin. The club has not defeated opponents by more than two goals in their last six home matches in this tournament. These results are directly related to the team's scoring ability, as Lyon has not scored more than two goals in 5 of their last 6 home Europa League games.
Ludogorets has not been particularly successful in away matches in the Europa League but rarely loses by a large scoreline. The team has covered the (+2.5) handicap in 14 previous away games in this tournament. During this period, they maintained this margin even against strong opponents like Roma (1-3) and Lazio (0-0).
I expect the Bulgarians to put up a fight in the upcoming match and not lose by a large margin. My prediction: Ludogorets with a (+2.5) handicap
