The UEFA Europa League has reached the critical fourth round stage and things are starting to take shape in the groups. One team which came into the tournament as a contender to progress to the latter stages were Everton. After spending big in the summer transfer market, Everton were expected to do well in all competitions this season but have failed miserably, both in the Europa League and Premier League. On Thursday night they face Lyon in the Europa League knowing only a win will be good enough to keep their hopes alive of making the knockout stages of the tournament.
Europa League – Groupama Stadium, Lyon – Thursday 2nd November – 19:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 21/5 at Ladbrokes |
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Lyon
EvertonLyon Form
In complete contrast to Everton, Lyon come into this match full of confidence having lost just one match all season and have remained unbeaten in their last 7 games in all competitions. Their only defeat came at Paris Saint-Germain, which can be excused. Lyon have won their last 4 games in a row, including the good 2-1 win at Everton in the reverse fixture between these teams at Goodison Park. The goals have been flowing for Lyon and they have scored 2 or more goals in 6 of their last 7 matches in all competitions. At home in the Europa League, Lyon have won 4 and drawn 1 of their last 5 games.
Everton Form
Everton travel to France in dreadful form and have failed to win any of their previous 7 games in all competitions. With just 1 point to show for their efforts in this group, the Toffees know they must win this game or face potential elimination from the Europa League. Everton have picked up just 2 draws from their last 7 games in all competitions and one of those draws was a disappointing 2-2 result at home to Apollon in the Europa League. The other draw was away from home in the Premier League at Brighton and Hove Albion. Everton’s away form is poor and since the Premier League started towards the end of August, they have failed to win an away match. They have lost 5 and drawn 3 of their away games, with their only away match in this group to date ending with a heavy 3-0 loss to Atalanta.
Team News
Lyon will have to make do without Clement Grenier and Pape Cheikh who are injured plus they have doubts over the fitness of Ferland Mendy. Nabil Fekir has been in great from and will operate just behind Mariano, who will lead the attack. Everton have a long injury list which includes Ramiro Funes Mori, Yannick Bolasie, Seamus Coleman, Ross Barkley, James McCarthy and Michael Keane. David Unsworth would like to rotate his team but has little in the way options.
Top Betting Tips
There is little doubt which team is coming into this match with the belief they can win it and that’s Lyon. They are in very good form and you can back them to continue that with a win in this match at 4/9 with William Hill. Lyon’s games have seen plenty of goals and they have scored 2 more goals themselves in 6 of their last 7 games in all competitions. You can get 1/2 with Ladbrokes for Lyon to score 2 or more goals. Finally, Lyon have seen over 2.5 goals in 9 of their last 11 Europa League games and it would not be a surprise to see the same happen in this match. Lyon to win and over 2.5 goals is 11/10 with Ladbrokes.