Lyon to hold Roma in the Europa League

In one of the more intriguing last-16 Europa League clashes Lyon host Italian side Roma on Thursday night, as both teams look to earn a first leg advantage.

The home side head into this clash in top form, having won four of their last five games in all competitions. Bruno Genesio’s side have been lethal in front of goal in recent games, scoring 18 goals in their last five games in competitions.

The French side have been particularly prolific on home soil, where they have scored 20 times in their last four outings. The home side defeated Dutch side AZ Alkmaar 11-2 on aggregate in the last round, but this clash represents a far more difficult challenge for Genesio’s team.

Roma are second in Serie A, but their form has taken a turn for the worse in recent games, as the men from the Italian capital have lost three of their last four games in all competitions.

Luciano Spalletti’s team defeated tough Spanish opponents in Villarreal in the last round, although they did suffer a 1-0 defeat against Villarreal in their last outing in this competition.

The visitors have a mixed away record of late, as Spalletti’s team have won three and lost two of their last five games on their travels. It is worth noting that the Giallorossi won 4-0 at Villarreal and have scored two or more goals in four of their last five games on their travels.

Spalletti’s team will be confident of maintaining their six-game unbeaten record in this competition, although Lyon will put that record to the test. The two teams look to be relatively even and it should prove to be a tight contest.

Forebet predicts that this game will finish all square and this fascinating tie will be decided in the second leg at the Stadio Olimpico.