Qarabag vs Lyon Prediction, Preview, Team News, and Lineups | UEFA Europa League, November 28, 2024

Qarabag vs Lyon Preview

• Tournament: UEFA Europa League
• Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024
• Time: 5:45 pm GMT
• Venue: Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, Baku.

Qarabag is a team that will have a lot to prove when they meet Lyon in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) match that will see them hosting the French team. Currently Azerbaijani side has only one win in their four matches of the group phase (W1-L3) and they have to step up in order to stay alive in the further rounds. But against French sides, they are far from impressive the visitors enjoying only one victory in their ten encounters with them in all competitions (W1, D3, L6). Making things worse, Qarabag has been even worse in the main draw of the UEL at home registering the lowest win percentage of 18% for any team that has played at least 20 home games in the competition draws, winning 5 of the 28 games Qarabag played at home (D10, L13).

The going gets even stiffer by the fact that Everton has lost in their last two home games in the UEL season. To beat these odds, Qarabag has to bring out their best but Qarabag has a history of poor home displays which will make Lyon a favourite for this match.

Lyon enters Azerbaijan with reasonably good European performances, sitting just above the top eight with two victories and a draw from four outings (L1). At home, the financial crisis is hanging over the French club, but their performance on the field of play has been good. Olympique has won six, drawn four, and lost only one of their last 11 games across all competitions, the kind of form that should serve them well in the Europa League campaign.

Yet their away records are much more impressive, hence the current record of seven games unbeaten away from home in all competitions (W3, D4). In particular, Lyon has lost only two of nine away matches in the UEL, which underlines their success in this tournament. This is the first time Lyon came across Qarabag and any Azerbaijani opposition, in this case, they want to make good use of this game and entrench themselves into the group’s positions.

Qarabag Team News

Qurban Qurbanov’s side will be without the service of Amin Ramazanov (cruciate ligament injury) and Shahrudin Mahammadaliyev (injured).

Lyon Team News

Pierre Sage-led Lyon side will be without Mahamadou Diawara due to a knee injury.

Qarabag vs Lyon Predicted Lineups

Qarabag Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Nikita Haikin

Defenders: Fredrik Sjovold, Villads Nielsen, Odin Luras Bjortuft, Fredrik Bjorkan

Midfielders: Hakon Evjen, Patrick Berg, Ulrik Saltnes

Attackers: Philip Zinckernagel, August Mikkelsen, Jens Hauge

Lyon Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Lucas Perri

Defenders: Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Clinton Mata, Moussa Niakhate, Abner

Midfielders: Nemanja Matic, Rayan Cherki, Corentin Tolisso

Attackers: Ernest Nuamah, Alexandre Lacazette, Said Benrahma

Qarabag vs Lyon H2H Record

These two sides haven’t met before.

Also Read: Slovan Bratislava vs AC Milan Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Champions League, November 26, 2024

Key Players to watch in Qarabag vs Lyon

Abdellah Zoubir (Qarabag)

The French-born player, Abdellah Zoubir, has become an indispensable member of Qarabag, especially in UEFA Europa League matches. Composure, in particular, had been always complimented by a clinical finish in front of the net and dribbler Zoubir has been known to score match-winning goals. His four out of five club goals have been clinchers, pointing at his potential to rise to the occasion at crunch times. This is not only in goals though; Zoubir plays an inspiring role in Qarabag’s offence given his technical abilities, peripheral vision, and ability to combine play.  

In his last match for Qarabag in the UEL, Zoubir reaffirmed what is becoming commonplace – he is a match-winner. This feature has reflected through his ability to issue stunning performances, especially during pressure matches thus ensuring that Qarabag competes in both home and European competitions. He will be more determinative in Qarabag’s bid to beat Lyon in order to continue the fight for the knockout place.

Rayan Cherki (Lyon)

Presently only 20 years of age, Rayan Cherki is among the most promising footballers not only for Lyon but also across Europe. Cherki recently played a fantastic football match for Ligue 1 against Reims where he performed exceptionally well. The attacking midfielder’s goal in that match marked a remarkable trend: seven out of those eight most recent clubs have been scored after the thirty minutes this icon has manifested the ability to step up at the end of the game.  

Cherki has been featuring for Lyon as a dribbler with creativity and the ability to unlock the defence line. He mainly has a fruitful career at the higher echelon of midfield or as a winger where much is made of his balance, dribbling skills etc. In this season’s Lyon, Cherki has upped his maturity and consistency which will be important for the team when they seek to earn important points against Qarabag in UEL.

Qarabag vs Lyon Prediction

Given the recent performances in the domestic and international club tournaments, Lyon holds an edge and is more favourable to win against the Qarabag.

Predicted Score: Qarabag 0-2 Lyon

Where to watch Qarabag vs Lyon Live?

Also Read: Inter Milan vs Leipzig Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Champions League, November 26, 2024

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