Lyon vs Eintracht Frankfurt Prediction: 12/12/2024

Olympique Lyonnais has been performing well in the Europa League despite facing financial challenges. With three wins out of their first five matches, including notable victories against Olympiakos, Rangers, and Qarabag, Lyon currently holds 7th place in the standings. Although they suffered a narrow 0-1 loss to Besiktas and played to a 2-2 draw with Hoffenheim, their goal is to finish in the top eight, which would secure direct qualification for the round of 16, bypassing the playoffs. In Ligue 1, Lyon has turned things around after a slow start, remaining unbeaten since late September, including a 4-1 win over OGC Nice. They aim to extend their good form in their upcoming match against Angers, though a tough challenge awaits them in their Europa League fixture.

Eintracht Frankfurt, with 13 points from 15, is also performing strongly in the Europa League, sitting in 3rd place. After drawing their opener 3-3 with Viktoria Plzen, the German side has won all of their subsequent matches, defeating teams like Besiktas, Rigas FC, Slavia Prague, and Midtjylland. In the Bundesliga, they are currently in second place, just behind Bayern Munich, and will look to continue their winning ways in their weekend match against Augsburg. Frankfurt’s attacking unit, featuring Egyptian forward Marmoush and former Paris player Hugo Ekitike, has been a key factor in their success this season.

Lyon will feature several key players, including Benrahma, Mikautadze, Lacazette, Tolisso, and Cherki. However, they will be missing former goalkeeper Lopes, who has been left out of the squad. Eintracht Frankfurt, on the other hand, is expected to be nearly at full strength, with backup striker Amenda possibly absent.

Prediction

Both teams have consistently played in matches with three or fewer goals, with Lyon recording 17 such games in their last 19 and Eintracht Frankfurt having 17 in their last 21 Europa League matches. Given this, a 1-1 draw seems a likely outcome for this closely contested match.