Sports Mole previews Thursday's Europa League clash between Lyon and Besiktas, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Match Preview
In-form Lyon will welcome Besiktas, who are currently struggling at the bottom of the Europa League table, to the Groupama Stadium. Lyon has shown remarkable form with five consecutive wins, including a solid 4-0 victory over Le Havre, placing them just outside Champions League qualification. They have also won both their previous matches in the Europa League, hinting at their prowess in the tournament.
Lyon's Recent Performance
Having started the season poorly, Lyon's revival includes a significant win against Olympiacos, followed by a dominant 4-1 win over Rangers. Alexandre Lacazette's performance has been critical, contributing significantly to the team's scoring efforts. With a historical advantage over Besiktas in previous encounters, Lyon's home advantage could prove decisive.
Besiktas’ Struggles
Besiktas, even with strong domestic performances including a 5-0 win over Galatasaray, has been underwhelming in Europe. Facing a 4-0 loss to Ajax and a disappointing performance against Eintracht Frankfurt, they find themselves at the bottom of their group. However, new managerial strategies might help change their fortunes.
Team News
Lyon's Duje Caleta-Car returns from suspension and is expected to play in a vital defensive role. In contrast, Besiktas will likely be without their winger Milot Rashica due to injuries. Their squad reshuffle may affect their chances against a well-performing Lyon side.
