As we follow the FIFA World Cup to see which nation will get the crown and become world champions, we have a few days off to see some club football actions.
In this case, Arsenal will take on Olympique Lyonnais in a friendly battle as both teams are looking to get some action before club football returns.
On the 26th of December, we’ll get more action from various leagues. Therefore, coaches must start preparing their teams while waiting for other players to return from their FIFA World Cup campaign.
The tournament has been incredible since the start, and we can tell that it has been one of the best so far.
Many underdog stories have emerged, as some teams have performed beyond expectations. Morocco getting to the quarterfinals is one of the biggest stories from the competition.
It is an incredible run for the team because they become the fourth African nation to achieve this feat and have the chance to become the first to enter the semifinals.
Many players still play for their respective countries, with eight teams left. Arsenal and Lyon still have players in the competition.
Therefore, we will only see those who didn’t make the competition or their national squad. Let’s look at this game, including the Arsenal vs Lyon odds, and provide soccer betting information for the tie.
Last Game Records
Olympique Lyonnais already played one friendly match at the start of the month. In that game, the team faced OH Leuven, and even though it was friendly, it was an epic tie.
Lyon’s Last Game Record
It gave Leuven a chance to battle against a top club. The goalscoring for this tie started as early as the second minute.
Mario Gonzalez, who went on to get a hattrick, opened Leuven’s scoring. However, in the 28th and 33rd minutes, Alexandre Lacazette and Tete scored to put Lyon in front.
But before the close of the first half, Mario Gonzalez made it 2-2. The game was tight in the first half, and OH Leuven put up a great fight.
Before the 70th minute, the game was still tied as Moussa Dembele and Mario Gonzalez scored to keep their teams level.
However, Moussa Dembele scored twice in the closing stage of the game to steal the victory for Lyon. It was an exciting game that got a worthy end.
Arsenal’s Last Game Record
On the other hand, Arsenal’s last game was their EPL match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The team wanted to keep their place in the first position before the break, and they did that smartly as they saw off Wolves in an incredible fashion. Martin Odegaard got both goals in the second half to help his team.
In addition, Lyon and Arsenal are no strangers. They’ve met twice before in the Emirate Cup, a friendly competition.
In their first meeting, Arsenal won 6-0, but all the players that participated in that tie won’t be available for this match. Arsenal and Lyon’s last meeting was in 2019, and Lyon got the victory.
This game seems like the perfect tiebreaker for both teams. One of them can go ahead in the head-to-head, giving them something to play for when they meet on Thursday.
Arsenal vs. Lyon Information
Both teams are set to go head-to-head on Thursday, the 8th of December 2022, at 09:30 AM ET.
The teams are looking to get more games in the coffers before club football returns after the FIFA World Cup. In that case, we should expect a pretty slow game that might pick up toward the end of the match.
Arsenal vs. Lyon Betting Analysis
Both teams haven’t met in any competitive game in recent years. However, they played in the Emirate Cup, a friendly competition.
So, we would be looking at their games in the competition. However, many players who participated in the previous games won’t be available in this tie.
Arsenal’s Great Form
Following both teams, Arsenal was in great form before the break. They only lost two games in their last ten matches, making them one of the most in-form teams in Europe.
On the other hand, Lyon was struggling. They only got three wins in their last ten matches, one of which was their friendly match against Leuven.
However, with both teams having players away for the World Cup, we will see more of a different structure. It would be about the players available as they try to get match fitness before competitive football returns.
Arsenal
The Arsenal team looks organized before the break. They’ve mastered the art of playing as a unit. And fortunately for the team, some key players are still available.
Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Oleksandr Zinchenko are all available for selection for this tie.
Lyon
This is a good test for Lyon because it will allow them to play against a top, in-form team. In addition to that, the team still has some interesting players available.
Alexandra Lacazette will face his old team, while players like Tete, Thiago Mendes, Houssem Aouar, and Moussa Dembele will face a solid side, which is a perfect way to prepare them for what is coming.
Updates
Although Lyon has already played one game since the break, they would still have rusty players that need to get match fitness.
In that case, we’re expecting the team to field top players that will use this match to prepare for the return of club football. Also, we look forward to Alexander Lacazette facing his former team in this friendly.
Lineup Breakdown
Arsenal still has some key players fighting for their nation to become world champions. Therefore, we will see players like:
- Eddie Nketiah
- Reiss Nelson
- Cedric Soares
And others get more time on the pitch.
Undoubtedly, it will be a perfect way to see what these players can do for the team, helping Arteta prepare his side for when club competitions begin.
Arsenal vs. Lyon Betting Preview
Arsenal odds show that they are the favorite to win this match, and we’re not surprised because the team has a better roster. They will face a Lyon side that has struggled in their last couple of games.
Therefore, we expect the Arsenal vs Lyon odds to favor the Gunners. And as a result, we can consider favoring Arsenal in our soccer picks.
Arsenal vs. Lyon Betting Prediction
Arsenal vs Lyon odds shows that the Gunners are more likely to win this match. They would have a better squad on the pitch.
However, we can’t write Lyon off since we don’t expect Arsenal to go at this game in full gear. Therefore, we are expecting a close game, and our prediction for this tie is Both Teams to Score (GG)
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