Europa League: Lyon Look to Slay Dragons in Porto

Porto vs Lyon

FC Porto and Lyon are all set to face off for the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie. This matchup has the potential to be one of the most action-packed ties in the entire round as both clubs possess some impressive attacking firepower.

The Dragons of Porto are in a fantastic run of form that has seen them go undefeated since early December. That’s why the Europa League 2022 betting odds have them favoured to take the first leg at home.

However, Lyon were the most impressive team during the Europa League group stage and possess the competition’s co-leading scorer, so they should not be underestimated.

Talking Points

Porto’s attacking firepower remains potent

Porto’s amazing unbeaten run in all competitions is now up to 18 matches after their 4-2 win over Pacos de Ferreira over the weekend. That win came on the heels of their 2-1 triumph over rivals Sporting in the Taça de Portugal.

Evanilson and Mehdi Taremi combined to score five of the six goals in those two games as they continue their impressive form of late. Evanilson has scored four goals in his last three starts, while Taremi has six goals and seven assists in nine games this 2022.

Taremi provided plenty of Europa League 2022 highlights with a goal and an assist in Porto’s 2-2 draw in their second leg against Lazio in Rome, which secured their passage to the round of 16.

Porto coach Sergio Conceicao opted to start Toni Martinez over Evanilson in both legs against Lazio, and it remains to be seen whether he will stick with this personnel choice.

Porto have hardly missed a beat after selling star Luis Diaz during the winter transfer window. They replaced Diaz with Galeno, who happens to be the co-leading scorer in the Europa League after six goals with Braga in the group stage. However, the 24-year-old Brazilian has yet to find his best form for Porto and will likely start on the bench once again.

Lyon’s Toko Ekambi a major threat

Lyon have had quite a disappointing season in Ligue 1. They sit seventh in their domestic league, and their recent form has not been too impressive. They have won just two of their last five games, with two defeats and a draw.

Although, they did thump Lorient 4-1 last time out, with many of their top players delivering fine performances.

Forwards Moussa Dembele and Karl Toko Ekambi both scored, while midfielders Lucas Paqueta and Houssem Aouar both got an assist. Romain Faivre, who came over from Brest in the winter transfer window, also scored his first two goals for his new club.

After starring for Cameroon in the Africa Cup of Nations, Toko Ekambi has carried over his impressive form to his club as he has provided two goals and an assist in four games since returning from AFCON.

Toko Ekambi was also instrumental in Lyon’s fantastic showing in the Europa League group stage. The Cameroonian scored six goals – tied with Galeno for the competition lead – as Lyon went unbeaten with five wins in six. Their 16 points were the most by any club in the entire group stage. Lyon also won all three away games in the group stage, scoring nine goals.

History

Porto and Lyon have had four prior meetings in European competition. Porto went unbeaten in those four games, with three wins and a draw.

The two sides last met in the Champions League quarter-finals in 2003-04. Porto won the first leg at home 2-0 as they went on to win the Champions League under Jose Mourinho that season.

Porto have won their last six games against French clubs and have not lost in their last 11 home games against Ligue 1 sides, with nine wins and two draws.

Betting Tip

SBOTOP odds have Porto priced at 2.01 to win the first leg at home. Lyon are pegged at 3.50, while a draw is similarly priced at 3.40.

Based on current form, it’s hard not to pick Porto to win. With the likes of Taremi and Evanilson, they have the attacking weapons to hurt Lyon. Granted, the French side have their own weapon in Toko Ekambi, who can be quite a dangerous foe for the Dragons. But with home support on their side, Porto should still be able to pull off a first-leg victory at the Dragao.

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.