Lyon vs Manchester City Predictions

Champions League matchday 1 saw a few surprises thrown about, but none were more surprising than Lyon’s shock victory over Manchester City at the Etihad. The Ligue 1 side fully deserved the 3 points from that game after controlling a lethargic Manchester City side who were without their suspended manager Pep Guardiola.

Now they’re back on home soil for the reverse fixture, and once again the odds are stacked against them. This time, Guardiola will be overseeing proceedings from the touchline, and this time they will be facing a Manchester City side who are looking stronger as every week goes by.

Lyon aren’t in bad shape themselves to be fair. They are unbeaten since a 5-0 thrashing at PSG back at the start of October, and they have lost just 3 times all season in all competitions. None of these defeats have come in the Champions League, although after beating The Citizens they will undoubtedly be disappointed that they have only managed a trio of consecutive draws since then.

Manchester City, on the other hand, have fought back from that defeat to win every Champions League group match since. This has taken them back to their expected position at the top of Group F, and a victory in France on Tuesday would secure the top spot and allow them some rest on matchday 6.

That loss to Lyon remains their only defeat of the season in all competitions, and they have won 12 of their 13 competitive games since then. Their most recent was a 4-0 thrashing of West Ham, which takes their goals tally to an huge 59 goals in 20 competitive matches. 7 of their last 10 outings have seen at least 3 goals as well, and they’re facing a Lyon side who don’t shy away from some goalmouth action of their own.

In fact, Lyon have seen 3 or more goals in 10 of their last 14 competitive games, including in all 4 of their Champions League matches. They have seen an average of 4.25 goals per game in the Champions League group stages and have seen both teams find the net in every match.

Manchester City have also seen at least 3 goals in all 4 of their group stage matches, so we think backing Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams to Score looks the best option here. We’re also opting for a 2-1 win for the visitors as Manchester City get some revenge on Lyon.