Olympique Lyon vs CSKA Moscow
UEFA Europa League
Date: Thursday, 15 March 2018
Kick-Off at 20:05 UK
Venue: Groupama Stadium (Decines-Charpieu).
Olympique Lyon have managed to gain the advantage after the first leg of their last 16 round tie against CSKA Moscow thanks to center-back Marcelo whose goal from midway through the second half made all the difference seven days ago in the Russian capital.
Viktor Goncharenko’s men will thus have a very challenging task to annul this deficit and go past the French heavyweights in the rematch at Groupama Stadium. The task is even more complicated if we know that Armeitsy have failed to find the back of the net in the previous Europa League visit when they were lucky to save a goalless draw away at Rde Star Belgrade in the Serbian capital.
Nonetheless, the Russians will head into this with an improved confidence after netting three past Akhmat Grozny in their domestic league on Sunday afternoon. Aleksandr Golovin, Vitinho and Sergei Ignasevich (his first goal of the season) were on target in an impressive display away at Akhmat Arena.
Lyon were also successful in the Ligue 1 clash against Caen as Bertrand Traore’s goal made all the difference for Bruno Genesio’s side against the mid-table rivals in the domestic league. Team’s top performer Nabil Fekir is yet to return from injury and his appearance against the Moscow side is still under a huge question mark.
Olympique Lyon vs CSKA Moscow: Head-to-head
The clash played seven days ago at VEB Arena was the first ever H2H meeting between these two sides.
As we mentioned above, it was Marcelo who scored the only goal of the game for Lyon.
Olympique Lyon vs CSKA Moscow: Prediction
The Kids have been struggling for goals without Nabil Fekir as they’ve not bagged two or more in any of last six matches across competitions.
The defensive line has, however, shown signs of improvements, and we expect Genesio to try and close this out and keep it a low-scoring contest.
Our main option will thus be Under 2.5 goals FT at 1.72, while the braver punters can try with the draw at 3.50.
Olympique Lyon vs CSKA Moscow: Bet Tips
Under 2.5 goals FT @ 1.72
Draw @ 3.50
