Lyon v Barcelona Tips: Can Lyon’s press provide a first-leg shock?
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Champions League draw specialists Lyon may have escaped from Group F undefeated, but tonight’s visit of Barcelona poses a much tougher task.
The Catalan club are bidding for their 12th quarter-final appearance in a row. By contrast, Lyon haven’t gone beyond the last-16 stage since the days of John Carew and Sylvain Wiltord.
Can the La Liga side keep that run going? Or will the hosts spring a first-leg shock?
Match Odds
The match odds reflect the gulf in class between the two sides. Barcelona are odds-on to prevail at 3/4, with Lyon given a 16/5 chance by our traders.
Bruno Genesio’s men are no slouches in Europe, though. The Ligue 1 side drew five of their six matches in the group stages, including a 2-2 stalemate at home to Manchester City.
We go 29/10 about tonight’s clash finishing level, with 7/1 about the 1-1 scoreline and 11/1 for 2-2.
Talking Tactics
Barcelona’s back line isn’t exactly watertight. They’ve conceded in each of their Champions League matches so far this term and will face another tough task against Lyon’s high pressing game.
Highly rated youngster Tanguy NDombele will lead the charge for the hosts. He’ll line-up alongside Lucas Tousart and Houssem Aouar in a midfield three.
Forward Moussa Dembele already has one CL goal against Barca for Celtic. The 22-year-old will be key alongside Memphis Depay and Bertrand Traore.
Lionel Messi carries the obvious threat for Barca, who boast one of the competition’s deadliest front lines, although it’s behind the Argentine where the game could be won and lost.
Arturo Vidal and Sergio Busquets aren’t getting any younger. Any mistakes they make against Lyon’s press will give the hosts a solid chance of a surprise first-leg advantage.
Goalscorer Odds
One man dominates the goalscorer betting. Messi has 30 goals in all competitions this season and has hit a brace in two CL matches so far. He’s 4/6 Anytime or 2/1 for 2 or More.
Luis Suarez is next best at 23/20, although the Uruguayan isn’t exactly prolific at Europe’s top table. Fellow forward Ousmane Dembele is available at 7/4.
Lyon’s task is made much harder by the absence of Nabil Fekir through suspension. 11/5 shot Moussa Dembele will shoulder the goalscoring burden while the Frenchman is missing.
Depay is slightly longer at 12/5, with two-goal group stage hero NDombele a 10/1 chance to continue his good record in this season’s competition.
Match Info
Where: Groupama Stadium
When: 8:00pm
How to watch: BT Sport 3
Click here for the latest Lyon v Barcelona odds
All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication
