Prediction and odds for the game: Lyon (7/2) v Juventus (4/5)
We are backing the away win
When: Wednesday 26th February 2020, Kick-off 8 PM
Where: The Groupama Stadium
On Wednesday night, Lyon host Juventus at the Groupama Stadium in the Champions League last-16 first-leg.
Lyon
The French side has been inconsistent of late in all competitions. However, last time out OL recorded a 2-0 win at Metz to stay in the race for the European spots in Ligue One. The game produced another relatively low-scoring encounter for the home side, as four of their last five competitive matches have produced under 2.5 goals.
Lyon have a poor recent record in the Champions League, winning just two of their last 13 matches in Europe’s elite competition. However, two wins were enough to see OL through from a group containing RB Leipzig, Benfica and Zenit.
OL are unbeaten in eight home games in the Champions League. However, seven of those undefeated have finished in draws. Both teams have scored in six of their last seven Champions League on home soil. There have been over 2.5 goals in five of their last seven home matches in Europe’s elite competition.
Juventus
The reigning Italian champions head into this game in good form. Last time out, the Bianconeri recorded a 2-1 win at SPAL in Serie A to maintain their lead at the top of the table. The win means that Maurizio Sarri’s team have now scored at least two goals in eight of their last 11 matches in all competitions.
The visitors cruised through their Champions League group, remaining unbeaten and winning their last five matches. The Bianconeri finished top of their group ahead of Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Lokomotiv Moscow.
Juventus’ good record in this season’s group stages means that they have lost just once in their last nine Champions League matches, which came last season against Ajax last season.
The visitors are unbeaten in four away games in Europe’s elite competition, having won their last two matches on their travels. Their record of two wins in their last six European away matches is not a great one. The Bianconeri have been prolific on their travels in the Champions League of late, scoring at least twice in their last three away games in Europe.
Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 21 times in as many Serie A appearances for the visitors. However, he has only scored twice in the Champions League this season but will be confident of adding to his goal tally.
Conclusion
Lyon are unpredictable, while Juventus are a winning machine. The French side may well give the team from Turin a game, but Sarri’s team should have too much quality for OL. That is why we are backing the away win in this clash. We are also backing Ronaldo to continue his recent good run of goalscoring, backing the veteran star to be an anytime goalscorer.
Verdict: We are backing the away win at odds of 4/5 and/or we are backing Cristiano Ronaldo to be an anytime goalscorer at the same odds. (All odds are taken from Bet365)
[geosnippet id=3620]If you are looking for a bookmaker to use for your bet on Lyon v Juventus, check out our betting page. Our soccer predictions page may also be of interest to you, as we post two daily tips articles.
Who will gain a vital first-leg advantage between Lyon and Juventus?
