Villarreal vs Lyon

Competition/Round: 2017-18 UEFA Europa League squad changes,Cup Round of 32 – 2nd Leg

Villarreal vs Lyon Possible XI: Bruno Soriano (Leg Injury), Nicola Sansone (Calf Injury), Andrés Fernández (Cruciate Ligament Rupture), Rúben Semedo (Muscle Injury) – Marçal (Yellow card suspension)

Date/Time: Thursday, February 22. kick-off at 6:00 pm (GMT)

Venue: Estadio de la Ceramica, Vila-real, Spain

Referee: La Cerámica

The primary leg finished 3-1 for Lyon and now they will go to Estadio El Madrigal in a turn around installation to confront Villarreal on Thursday in second leg conflict of Europa League hoping to fit the bill for next phase of the competition.

With objectives from Tanguy Ndombele Alvaro, Fekir and Depay, Lyon will be certain heading in this tie, however that valuable away objective by Pablo Fornals can have an incredible effect. A 2-0 triumph would be sufficient for Villarreal to experience.

The two sides have a lot of youthful, energizing players and Thursday night’s diversion at the Estadio El Madrigal could well be an engaging experience.

Team News

Villarreal 

With suspension over, central midfielder Rodri should come back into the starting eleven for Villarreal.  Bruno Soriano (leg injury), Ruben Semedo (muscle injury) and Nicola Sansone (calf injury) will miss the tie for Villarreal.

Goalkeeper Andres Fernandez is close to the match fitness, but he is unlikely to feature.

Lyon

Former Real Madrid striker Mariano Diaz is likely to start up front for Lyon. Lyon boss Genesio has no new injury concerns heading into the fixture.

Players To Watch

Carlos Bacca

A player on credit from AC Milan who has scored 11 objectives for Yellow Submarine Side will be one of the players to watch. Villarreal needs to beat two objectives shortage, so they have to play out their best diversion. For this, Bacca needs to demonstrate his objective scoring capacity and help them to reach next phase of the opposition.

Rodri

The 21-year-old Spanish focal midfielder is one of the most sizzling prospects in world football. With his splendid collaboration, ball-holding and passing capacity, he can have any kind of effect for this Villarreal side. He will be their key to stop Lyon’s hazardous counter-assault.

Lyon

Mariano Diaz

Previous Real Madrid Striker has scored 16 objectives in his first season in Lyon and is a mid year focus for some clubs. With incredible physical nearness and far better completing, he is probably going to score in this tie.

Rafael

Previous Manchester United ideal back Rafael is probably going to play on Thursday. With his experience and capacity, he will be a player to watch on Sunday. This youthful Lyon side does not have the experience to play in enormous stages, and they will depend on three times Premier League champ Rafael to direct them to next phases of Europa League.

Villarreal vs Lyon Line up (Predicted XI) 

Villarreal Line up (4-3-1-2) 

Central Midfielder Rodri is expected to start the game for Villarreal. He is expected to replace Samuel Castillejo. They are likely to play diamond midfield.

GK:  Asenjo

Def: Gaspar(RB), Alvaro Gonzalez(CB), Victor Ruiz(CB), Jaume Costa(LB)

Mid: Raba(CM) , Rodri(CM), Trigueros (CM), Fornals(CAM)

Attack: Carlos Bacca(RS), Cheryshev(LS) 

Lyon Line up (4-2-3-1) 

Depay is expected to start in place of Houssem Aouar. They play 4-2-3-1 formation.

GK: Lopes

Def: Rafael (RB), Marcelo(CB), Morel (CB), Mendy(LB)

Mid: NDombele(CM), Tousart(CM), Traore (RW), Fekir(CAM) , Depay(LW)

Attack:  Diaz(ST)

Villarreal vs Lyon Prediction 

Villarreal are expected to play attacking football while Lyon could play counter attacks. We expect this to be a close encounter. It should be a 2-2 draw with Lyon advancing to next round with 5-3 goals in aggregate.