Lyon vs Strasbourg Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

Welcome to our Lyon vs Strasbourg prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview. The final round of the season is upon us in Ligue 1. There’s not a huge amount at stake but sixth spot is up for grabs, and Lyon are, remarkably, in the running for it. For half the season, they were inside the relegation zone, but Pierre Sage has done a remarkable job turning around their fortunes. They face a Strasbourg side who achieved their survival objective fairly comfortably. Ligue 1 expert Steve Wyss previews the match with three betting selections. 

• Lyon vs Strasbourg Tip 1: Lyon -1.25 Asian Handicap
• Lyon vs Strasbourg Tip 2: Alexandre Lacazette to Score Anytime
• Lyon vs Strasbourg Tip 3: Over 1.25 Asian Goals First Half

Lyon vs Strasbourg Prediction 1: Lyon to continue their momentum in pursuit of top six

France, Ligue 1, Sunday 19th May, 20:00 (UK)

Lyon need to win and hope Lens drop points to secure guaranteed European football next season. They have a backup plan by potentially winning the French Cup final next week but in the here and now Les Gones know what their objective is. It is quite remarkable that heading into the last round of the season, they have the chance to secure a top-six berth. Earlier in the year, most would have expected them to be fighting relegation, such was their desperate plight. Manager Pierre Sage must be a candidate for coach of the year. He averages 2.23 points since taking charge and Lyon have won a staggering 19 out of 26 games in all competitions under his management.

I am expecting Lyon to finish the season with the win they need. This should be a fairly straightforward fixture at home to Strasbourg who know they will either finish 12th or 13th. The team from Eastern France won their big derby last week at home to Metz (2-1), and that feels like a fitting conclusion to their campaign. Nothing rides on this fixture for them and I do not expect a particularly intense performance. Lyon have a great record under Sage, and taking them on the -1.25 Asian Handicap looks like a good bet. They should at least win the game and have plenty to spare, considering the motivation aspect. 

• Lyon vs Strasbourg Prediction 1: Lyon -1.25 Asian Handicap (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.95
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 10/10

Lyon vs Strasbourg Prediction 2: Lacazette threat can’t be ignored

Only Kylian Mbappe and Jonathan David have scored more Ligue 1 goals this season. Lacazette has netted 17 times which is an impressive stat considering Lyon were languishing in the depths of despair for half the campaign. In a must win game on the last round of the season he’s the obvious candidate to hit the back of the net. In this instance we must back the player at an odds-on price (1.80) but this still feels like some value.

Lyon are a big favourite for this match, as much as a -1.5 Asian Handicap with some firms. As the captain, leading scorer and the man on penalty duty then this is an excellent opportunity to add to his tally. Lacazette has stayed hot throughout the season and scored six goals in his last six starts. He came off the bench last week so be sure to tick the ‘void’ box if he doesn’t start. With European football on the line though Les Gones should be at full strength with their main talisman likely to bag at least one goals. 

• Lyon vs Strasbourg Prediction 2: Alexandre Lacazette to Score Anytime (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.80
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 8/10

Lyon vs Strasbourg Prediction 3: Intense first half likely to lead to goals

Taking Lyon to be leading at halftime was also a consideration, but I think backing the first-half goal line over 1.25 is just as good of an option. We know that Lyon will come out of the traps quickly and try to get the job done early. It makes the most sense to get on top in the first half and then enjoy the game by sitting back. Strasbourg probably won’t offer too much at the Groupama Stadium but they will have more energy and fight in the first half. Lyon’s defence could be vulnerable on the break with the visitors getting in behind so an away goal can’t be ruled out.

The danger with fixtures on the last game of the season is that theory can fizzle out in the second half. Results elsewhere can affect motivation, and I suspect the last 20 minutes could be a low-tempo type of match with the result done and dusted and Lyon looking forward to the French Cup final. That’s why it feels dangerous taking the over 3.5 goal match line for the 90 mins. A first-half goal line of over 1.25 offers some half-loss security in case just one goal is scored, but scores of 2-0 or 1-1 could be possible at the interval. 

• Lyon vs Strasbourg Prediction 3: Over 1.25 Asian First Half Goals (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.80
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 8/10

Lyon vs Strasbourg Prediction odds via bet365 as at 09:00, May 16th 2024. Odds may now differ.

Lyon vs Strasbourg Team News and Possible Lineups: Lyon at full strength

Lyon have a squad in perfect health at the time of writing with no injuries or suspensions. They could have half an eye on the French Cup final next week but with a top six place up for grabs Pierre Sage should start his strongest side. Lebo Mothiba and Angelo Gabriel have been ruled out for the season for some time. Jessy Deminguet and Junior Mwanga remain doubtful for Strasbourg. Kevin Gameiro could potentially be given a start in his last match for the club.

Lyon possible starting lineup:
Lopes, Tagliafico, Caleta-Car, O’Brien, Clinton Mata, Tolisso, Matic, Caqueret, Benrahma, Lacazette, Nuamah

Strasbourg possible starting lineup:
Bellaarouche, Sylla, Doukoure, Guilbert, Ali AbdallaH, Andrey Santos, Diarra, Senaya, Dion, Bakwa, Emegha

Match Stats: Strasbourg have struggled in front of goal

• This will be the third meeting of the season between the two teams. Strasbourg won 2-1 in the reverse fixture and Lyon won on penalties in the Coupe de France after a 0-0 draw. 
• Pierre Sage averages a massive 2.23 points per game in charge of Lyon and won 19 out of 26 games in all competitions.
• Only Nantes and Clermont have scored fewer away goals than Strasbourg (15) in Ligue 1 this season
• Both sides rank in the bottom four for cards obtained this season
• Only Metz average less shots on target per match than Strasbourg (3.60). Lyon average 5.10 per game in the same category, only toppled by Monaco and PSG. 

Lyon Fixtures: French Cup final next week

• Vs PSG (N)

Strasbourg Fixtures: Final game

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