Lyon hopes to extend their run in the Europa League after dismal performances in France 1 this week against FC Porto at the Groupama Stadium on Thursday with kickoff at 11 pm.
Next season, Lyon suffered a huge setback in the quest for Champions League football after suffering a tough 2-4 home loss against Rennes in the Ligue 1 derby on Sunday.
Coach Peter Bosz was furious with his players for allowing four goals on their home pitch at the weekend. It was the second straight loss at home in Ligue 1 for Lyon. They are now 10th in the domestic league standings with nine points separating them from third-placed Nice, meaning the Champions League represents a mission impossible at this season.
Porto, at least, has a one-goal lead over Lyon from the first leg of their last 16 Europa League tie ahead of the return match tonight at Groupama Arena.
Moreover, Porto scored a stoppage-time equalizer seven days ago against Porto. However, the goal was disallowed offside, and their opponent got away with a valuable point. On Sunday, the Portuguese side destroyed Tondela 4-0 at Estadio Do Dragao to extend the gap at the top of the standings to nine points above second-placed Sporting Lisbon, who have a game in hand.
Lyon vs. Porto Head to Head
Both sides have three games against each other with each side taking one win and one draw. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Lyon 2-4 Rennes
- Porto 0-1 Lyon
- Lorient 1-0 Lyon
- RC Lens 1-1 Lyon
- Lyon 2-0 Nice
Away
- FC Porto 4-0 Tondela
- FC Porto 0-1 Lyon
- Pacos de Ferreira 2-4 Porto
- Sporting CP 1-2 FC Porto
- FC Porto 1-1 Gil Vicente
Lyon Team News
Rayan Cherki and Sinaly Diomande will remain sidelined for Lyon in their Ligue 1 clash at home to FC Porto. Peter Bosz may be tempted to select the same XI that started the 1-0 win in Portugal last week, with Thiago Mendes in defense again.
FC Porto Team News
Wendell was suspended and has now served his time; he may be available for selection if the team plays poorly in the second leg against Lyon. Pepe was forced off in the first match’s first half but did not appear in the 4-0 victory over Tondela. He may sit this one out.
Prediction and Odds
We feel that the visitors will overturn their one-goal deficit and win in France.
- Porto Win
- Goals Over 1.5
- Both Teams to Score
