Lyon vs Valenciennes Prediction & Betting Tips (2 April)

In search of a first trophy since their coronation in the Coupe de France in 2012, Olympique Lyonnais are only 2 games away from being able to add a new line to their list of achievements. Rather serious so far, the Rhone club logically dismissed Pontarlier 0-3, Bergerac 1-2, Lille 2-1 and Strasbourg TAB in the previous round to join this last square of the Doyenne and remain in the race for a major trophy. He could even kill two birds with one stone by snatching a place in the Europa League which seems inaccessible via the championship. Because in Ligue 1, Pierre Sage's men are suffering a catastrophic first part of the season which does not allow them to play better than the top 10 for the moment. Before the international break, Les Gones were able to defeat Lorient 0-2 and Toulouse 2-3 and they will aim for a 3rd victory in a row this weekend against Reims. For their part, Valenciennes is the surprise guest of the latter square of the Coupe de France.

The Hainaut club is indeed going through a particularly difficult year in Ligue 2 where it brings up the rear in the standings, far from the first non-relegation place and its fate has already seemed sealed for several weeks. Ahmed Kantari's men have not won in the league for more than 2 months and they were left with a big defeat at Guingamp 3-0 before welcoming Saint-Etienne on Saturday. Fortunately for them, the Northerners are approaching this Coupe de France with much more freshness since it represents a real breath of fresh air in a very sad period. They notably brought down Paris FC 2-1, Saint-Priest 1-2 and FC Rouen TAB in the previous rounds.

Absent before the international break, the two winter recruits Mangala and Benhrama returned to the squad on Saturday while right-back Mata is once again authorized to play after being suspended against Reims last weekend. It is therefore a complete group on which Pierre Sage should count to approach this semi-final. At the head of the offensive sector, we should find the terrible scorer Alexandre Lacazette who has scored 13 goals in Ligue 1 this season. On the other hand, behind him, no attacker particularly stands out. For VA, the starting midfielder Kruse, the important Poha and the important Cuffaut and Linguet should probably not make the trip to Groupama Stadium.

Top scorer in the squad with 4 goals in the league, the Algerian Boutoutaou could still be left aside by his coach, Ahmed Kantari. The main detonator of this team is the now experienced Anthony Knockaert but he struggles to be decisive. In difficulty offensively, this team is by far the worst attack in Ligue 2 with only 17 goals scored this year.