Lyon vs. Monaco: Preview, Predictions & Betting Odds

This Sunday, Lyon and Monaco will face each other in a pivotal Ligue 1 clash that could significantly influence their respective seasons. As the French league approaches its final stages, every match becomes increasingly consequential, especially for teams like Lyon and Monaco, who are battling for European qualifications and solidifying their standings. Here’s an in-depth look at the upcoming match, analysing both teams’ performance this season, key players, tactical outlooks, and historical context.

• Draw @ +320 With BetMGM
• Over 3.5 Match Goals @ +145 With BetMGM
• Lyon To Score 2+ Goals @ +300 With BetMGM

These odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

• Date: 28/04/2024
• Kick-off time: 18:00
• Location: Parc Olympique Lyonnais

Lyon’s campaign in the 2022/2023 Ligue 1 season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. With 41 points from 30 games, they are currently 8th in the standings, a position that barely scratches the surface of their tumultuous journey. The season commenced on a bleak note, with the team's form flirting dangerously with the relegation zone. This dire start led to significant changes at the managerial level, eventually stabilising under the guidance of Pierre Sage. Since his appointment, Lyon have undergone a remarkable transformation, finding a new lease on life and climbing up the table.

Their resurgence has put them within striking distance of the European competition spots. They are six points adrift of Nice, who are in 5th place with Europa League aspirations, and eleven points behind Lille in 4th, who are eyeing a spot in the Champions League playoffs. The gap to the Europa League spot, while challenging, is not insurmountable, especially with Lyon’s recent form suggesting a strong finish to the season. A Champions League place, however, is likely now beyond reach.

The standout performers for Lyon have been striker Alexandre Lacazette and midfielder Maxence Caqueret. Lacazette, returning as a seasoned striker, has been prolific in front of goal, netting 17 times this season. His leadership and experience have been crucial in spearheading Lyon’s attack and instilling confidence throughout the team. Caqueret, on the other hand, has been instrumental in midfield, providing balance, energy, and crucial interventions, both defensively and in transitioning play.

Monaco, positioned 2nd with 55 points from 29 games, have had a far more stable season. After a somewhat disappointing 6th place finish last year, they have shown significant improvement. Under the management of Adi Hütter, Monaco have not only stabilised but also flourished, positioning themselves within the automatic Champions League spots—a testament to both strategic acumen and consistent performances on the field.

With the league title looking out of reach, Monaco’s primary objective is to secure their position in the top three, ensuring automatic qualification for Europe’s most prestigious club competition. The stability and depth of the squad have been key factors in their success, with players like attacking midfielder Aleksandr Golovin and defender Wilfried Singo standing out. Golovin has been a creative force, contributing significantly in terms of goals and assists, while Singo’s robust defending and ability to join the attack have made him a versatile asset.

The tactical setup chosen by Pierre Sage and Adi Hütter will be crucial in determining the outcome of this match. Lyon, under Sage, have favoured a dynamic, attacking style of play, focusing on high pressing and quick transitions. Monaco, with Hütter at the helm, often employ a more measured approach, with an emphasis on maintaining possession and exploiting the width of the pitch.

The historical encounters between these two teams add an intriguing layer to the matchup. Although the last five meetings have been closely contested, with Lyon winning three to Monaco’s two, Lyon have come out on top in the last two encounters. This recent history might give Lyon a psychological edge, though Monaco will be keen to redress this balance and cement their place in the top three.

As the teams prepare to face off this Saturday, the stakes are incredibly high. Lyon, rejuvenated under Pierre Sage, are chasing European dreams that seemed improbable at the start of the season. Monaco, steady and resolute, are looking to consolidate their Champions League qualification. With both teams having so much to play for, the stage is set for a compelling encounter in French football’s top tier.

Lyon Team News

Nicolás Tagliafico will be available for selection once again after serving a one-match suspension and should come back into the starting XI, while Rayan Cherki will be hoping to have earned a place in the lineup.

Duje Caleta-Car and Saël Kumbedi have both missed a number of weeks through injury and neither are likely to return in time for this encounter.

Monaco Team News

Monaco will be able to call upon the services of defender Thilo Kehrer who is once again available after serving a suspension. In what is a big glow, Aleksandr Golovin is expected to miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury picked up recently so Krépin Diatta should continue out wide

Wilfried Singo and Eliesse Ben Seghir were both shown straight red cards in stoppage-time in the game against Brest at the weekend so both will be unavailable here through suspension.

Guillermo Maripan and Ismail Jakobs are still a few weeks away from full fitness while Caio Henrique remains a long-term absentee.

Lyon’s form has been exceptional in the second half of the season as they come into this one having lost just four of their last twenty-one games in all competitions, winning sixteen of those. Their last five games have thrown up three wins one draw, and one defeat, with their latest outing a pretty heavy 4-1 defeat away in the capital at the hands of PSG, where goals from Lucas Beraldo, Gonçalo Ramos (X2) and a Nemanja Matić own goal saw Ernest Nuamah's first half goal for Lyon count for nothing.

The defeat in Paris was preceded by an entertaining 4-3 win over then 2nd-placed Brest thanks to goals from Corentin Tolisso, Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolás Tagliafico followed by an injury-time winner from Ainsley Maitland-Niles, a goal that completed a remarkable late comeback from 1-3 down.

Before that, Lyon beat Nantes 3-1 and Valenciennes 3-0, thanks to goals from Lacazette (X3), Gift Orban (X2) and Malick Fofana, which followed a 1-1 draw with Reims and a 3-2 win over Toulouse, with goals in those games coming from Ernest Nuamah, Rayan Cherki, Lacazette and Jake O’Brien.

Lyon have been better away from home than they have on their own patch recently, but their home form is still solid having won three, drawn one and lost one of their last five in front of their own fans.

Monaco are in good shape as they enter this game unbeaten in their last five games having won four of those. Monaco's recent game was an excellent 2-0 win away at 2nd-placed Brest, where goals from Denis Zakaria and Takumi Minamino were enough to get the job done, despite two late red cards.

Prior to that, Monaco claimed a 1-0 win over Rennes thanks to a goal from Maghnes Akliouche, a game that followed a thumping win over Metz where goals from Takumi Minamino, Akliouche, Vanderson and Folarin Balogun (X2) gave them a comprehensive 5-2 win.

Those results were preceded by a 2-2 draw with Lorient after beating Strasbourg 1-0 and drawing 0-0 with PSG, with Youssouf Fofana and Eliesse Ben Seghir grabbing the goals in that period.

This is one of the most appetising and well-timed games in Ligue 1 for a while. Both teams are in great shape, especially Lyon whose form prior to the defeat in Paris was that of a title contender, and need the win for different reason. Logic here suggests a draw, with Monaco not an easy side to beat, despite Lyon’s rampant ascendency. This is very much a game that should throw up a few goals and should there be a winner, it will likely only be by one goal. However, we’re backing a high-scoring draw for this one with little to separate the two sides. Lyon 2-2 Monaco.

Lyon vs. Monaco will be available to watch on the Peacock Network (An NBC live-streaming Platform)