Lyon vs Lille prediction 07.02.2024

• Competition: Coupe de France, 1/8 Finals
• Date: Wednesday, 7th February 2024
• Kickoff: 17:30 UK / 18:30 CET
• Venue: Parc Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon)

Lyon had an absolutely atrocious start to the season as they mostly held the last place in the first 15 rounds. However, since changing the coach in November, Les Gones has started playing a lot better and have managed to climb out of the danger zone. Right now, they are 15th with 19 points, three away from the relegation zone. The club tried to save the season by adding solid players in the Winter transfer window as well, and it seems that all that is paying off. Lyon are definitely not the team they used to be a few years ago, but they are not as bad as the league's table represents. This Cup is their chance to reach Europe because they cannot do so via league finish. 

Lille are having a solid season in all competitions so far. In Ligue 1, they are 4th, with just one point away from the direct place for the Champions League. The title is out of the question since PSG are dominating this season, but a finish in the top three looks pretty realistic. The main problem for the Mastiffs is their road record. They are as good at home as PSG, but away from it, PSG have won twice as many points as Lille! Also, the Mastiffs did great in the Europa Conference League, finishing 1st and securing the 1/8 Finals. However, they were significantly worse away from home in that competition as well. 

Lyon vs Lille pick: Draw

Lyon won six of the last eight games in all competitions. They finally started winning games and are playing better, no doubt about it. However, the majority of those wins were against poor teams, and we do not trust them to win against Lille. On the other hand, we do not believe in Lille either since they will play away from home. The Mastiffs have shown much more throughout the season, but they rarely win games away from home. So far, they drew nine of 15 games in all competitions - 60%! 

These teams met in the Cup 1/8 Finals last season as well, and we saw a 2:2 draw in regular time. Additionally, two of the last three h2h games finished as a draw. Another draw looks like the most realistic scenario for this Cup game.