
Where does the value lie for this tasty first leg?
While plenty of eyes will be firmly fixed on Liverpool’s clash with Bayern on Tuesday, Lyon v Barcelona is a matchup with plenty of entertaining possibilities.
Ernesto Valverde’s men come into this as favourites, but this is the strongest Lyon side we’ve seen in a decade, and I have a sneaky feeling they’ll get a result in this first leg. Considering they have beaten PSG this season – as well as earning four points against Manchester City while going unbeaten in their Champions League group – Lyon are not a side to be overlooked, which is why I’m backing a draw on Tuesday.
The visitors have drawn three of their last four matches in all competitions – averaging just one goal apiece – which isn’t a particularly sparkling recent record.
Nabil Fekir’s suspension is a big blow for Lyon, but I’m yet to be entirely convinced by Barcelona, who have a few injury issues coming into this (namely Arthur and Samuel Umtiti).
Leganes, Valencia, Atletico Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, Inter, Levante and Sevilla have all prevented Barcelona from winning away from home this campaign, and judging by how well Lyon played against Manchester City on both occasions, there’s a good chance their name will be added to this list.
I suspect Barcelona will come out on top after the two legs, but the Groupama Stadium looks a devilishly tough place to visit this season, which is why my best bet, priced at 31/10, is a draw.
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