Crystal Palace will look to continue their recent upturn in form on Thursday as they travel to the Groupama Stadium to take on Lyon in the league phase of the Europa League.
Crystal Palace secured their second win in the Premier League this season at the weekend, as they defeated Oliver Glasner’s Nottingham Forest.
Forest initially took an early lead after three minutes, but goals from Daichi Kamada, Jefferson Lerma and Yermy Pino gave Palace all three points and moved them up to 12th in the Premier League table.
The Eagles have also made a winning start in this competition, thrashing Polish side Lech Poznan 4-0 at Selhurst Park in the middle of last month.
Lyon have also made a winning start in the league phase of the Europa League, with Paulo Fonseca’s hosts winning 1-2 in Belgium against Anderlecht.
However, Le Gones suffered their first domestic defeat of the season last Friday, losing 2-1 to Lens in Northern France, which dropped them to fourth in the Ligue 1 table, three points behind leaders Monaco.
How the bookies view it: Lyon favourites
Lyon are favourites to make it two wins from two in the league phase, with bet365 pricing a home success at 6/5.
Crystal Palace are 21/10 to maintain their 100% record in the league phase, whilst the draw is 27/10.
Head to head: First-ever competitive meeting
Thursday night’s class at the Groupama Stadium will be the first-ever competitive meeting between these two clubs.
Players to watch: Another goal contribution for talisman Tolisso
Corentin Tolisso continues to be a key player for Lyon this season, with the ex-Bayern Munich man scoring once and providing four assists in all competitions.
Two of those assists have come in Europe, and the 6/5 on offer at bet365 for the Lyon captain to Score or Assist on Thursday night appeals to me.
Backed a player to find the net? Check our Goalscorer Betting guide to see how the markets work and where to find value.
Predicted line-ups:
Lyon: Greif, Athekame, Bacher, Kluivert, Vinicius, Nartey, Morton, Nuamah, Sulc, Tolisso, Nakamura
Crystal Palace: Benitez, Richards, Disasi, Canvot, Khalaili, Wharton, Timber, Mitchell, Kamada, Pino, Strand Larsen
Anything else catch the eye?
Crystal Palace’s matches have been fun to follow for goal-backers this season, with their opening eight matches under ex-Lyon boss Pierre Sage averaging 3.50 goals per game.
Over 2.5 Goals has paid out in six of their most recent seven, whilst 4/5 (80%) of Lyon’s matches at home this season in all competitions have seen three or more goals.
Over 2.5 Goals pays just 4/6 at bet365, but combining it with Both Teams to Score pays a more backable 5/6.
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