Lyon vs Lille Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Sunday, 1 February

Lyon will host Lille at the Groupama Stadium on Sunday, 1 February, in what promises to be an intriguing Ligue 1 clash. This match holds significant importance for both sides as they seek crucial points in the league standings. Lyon, playing at home, will look to capitalise on familiar surroundings to gain an advantage over their visitors.

Lille, meanwhile, will aim to challenge Lyon’s home dominance and secure a vital away victory. Both teams have displayed competitive form in the league, making this encounter a potentially tight contest. With high stakes in Ligue 1, this match could impact the race for European qualification spots, adding extra significance to the outcome.

Lyon vs Lille Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Lyon -2.50 (Handicap)	7

Lyon’s recent home form has been impressive, with their aggressive pressing and efficient attacking play allowing them to dominate most matches. Lille, on the other hand, have shown vulnerability on their travels, particularly in defence. Given these factors, our recommended betting tip is to back Lyon -2.5 on the Asian Handicap. This reflects Lyon’s ability to win convincingly, leveraging their strong attacking strategies and Lille’s tendency to make defensive errors.

• Lyon have scored in 89% of their home matches this season, highlighting their attacking strength.
• Lille’s defence has been fragile in away games, making them susceptible to conceding multiple goals.
• Lyon’s confidence is high after an unbeaten run in their last four matches in this competition.

Betting Odds

Lyon enter the match as favourites at the Groupama Stadium, with betting odds reflecting their strong home advantage. Lille, however, should not be underestimated, especially given their ability to upset the odds away from home.

Betting Tip	Odds
Lyon to win	1.9
Draw	3.64
Lille to win	3.87

The match odds suggest a closely contested fixture, with a draw also offering reasonable returns. Punters may find value in backing Lyon, but Lille’s odds could appeal to those seeking a larger payout. The over 2.5 goals market is also worth considering, as both teams have demonstrated attacking intent in recent matches.

Lyon Analysis & Past Performance

Lyon have been in outstanding form, securing victories in each of their last five matches. This impressive streak includes a notable 4-2 win against PAOK Thessaloniki in the Europa League and a commanding 5-2 triumph over Metz in Ligue 1.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Lyon	PAOK Thessaloniki FC	4 – 2 (Win)	Europa League	29 Jan 2026
Metz	Lyon	2 – 5 (Win)	Ligue 1	25 Jan 2026
BSC Young Boys	Lyon	0 – 1 (Win)	Europa League	22 Jan 2026
Lyon	Brest	2 – 1 (Win)	Ligue 1	18 Jan 2026
Lille	Lyon	1 – 2 (Win)	Coupe de France	11 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
Lyon’s attack has been particularly potent, averaging 2.80 goals per match over their last five outings. Defensively, they have kept one clean sheet, conceding an average of 1.20 goals per game. The team has demonstrated a strong home advantage, maintaining a perfect win record in their last five home fixtures.

Team Dynamics:
Pavel Šulc has been a standout performer, leading the team’s scoring with 8 goals. Lyon’s current home win ratio of 1.00 underlines their formidable presence at Groupama Stadium. Despite their attacking prowess, the team has shown some defensive vulnerabilities, conceding in four of their last five games.

Performance Insights:

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Lyon’s recent performances have placed them 4th in the league, with 36 points. Their ability to score consistently while managing close games reflects a balanced approach. However, to maintain their league position, tightening up defensively will be crucial as they aim to capitalise on their attacking strengths and home form in the upcoming fixtures.

Lyon Suspensions & Injuries

Lyon are facing a challenging spell with several key players sidelined due to injury. The absence of Ernest Nuamah and Malick Fofana, both expected to return in early February, will significantly impact Lyon’s attacking options. With Rachid Ghezzal also out with a groin injury, the team will miss his creative influence in midfield, potentially affecting their ability to link play effectively.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Ernest Nuamah	Cruciate ligament injury	Early February 2026
Malick Fofana	Ankle injury	Early February 2026
Rachid Ghezzal	Groin injury	Early February 2026
Nicolás Tagliafico	Sprained ankle	Mid February 2026
Abner Vinícius	Groin injury	Mid February 2026

Nicolás Tagliafico’s sprained ankle means the defence will require adjustments, as his experience and solidity at the back are vital. In his absence, Paulo Fonseca may have to rely more on Clinton Mata and Ruben Kluivert to shore up the defence, which could result in a more conservative approach.

The midfield is also affected by the absence of Abner Vinícius, meaning Tanner Tessmann and Tyler Morton will need to step up. These injuries could influence Lyon’s tactical setup, possibly leading to a more defensive formation to compensate for the lack of attacking depth. Bettors should be aware of Lyon’s weakened state, which could have an impact on their odds against Lille.

Lyon Key Players

Pavel Šulc stands out as Lyon’s top scorer with 8 goals this season. His role in midfield not only provides a goal-scoring threat but also orchestrates Lyon’s attacking play with his dynamic movement and precise passing. Šulc’s ability to transition quickly from defence to attack could be pivotal against Lille, especially when exploiting any gaps left by their defence.

In attack, Endrick and Khalis Merah are crucial. Endrick, known for his pace and technical ability, often finds himself in the right position to convert chances, while Merah’s physical presence and aerial threat could be decisive during set pieces. Defensively, Ruben Kluivert’s role in the backline is vital, providing stability and leadership, complemented by the versatility and experience of Clinton Mata and Hans Hateboer.

Expected lineup for Lyon:

• Goalkeeper: Dominik Greif
• Defence: Clinton Mata, Ruben Kluivert, Hans Hateboer
• Midfield: Tanner Tessmann, Tyler Morton, Pavel Šulc, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Afonso Moreira
• Forward: Endrick, Khalis Merah

Lyon’s tactical setup relies on midfield control and quick transitions. Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Tanner Tessmann are expected to provide defensive cover and ball distribution, allowing Šulc to push forward. Their interplay and understanding will be crucial in maintaining balance and breaking Lille’s lines. With this setup, Lyon’s strengths lie in their adaptability and ability to exploit counter-attacking opportunities.

Lyon Tactics and Formation

Lyon Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-1-2
• Key Forward: Endrick
• Midfield Engine: Tyler Morton and Pavel Šulc
• Defensive Structure: Three-man defence led by Clinton Mata
• Notable Strategy: High possession and attacking intent, as demonstrated in recent matches.

Paulo Fonseca’s adoption of a 3-4-1-2 formation has allowed Lyon to maximise their attacking potential while maintaining defensive solidity. The three-man defence, anchored by Clinton Mata and supported by Ruben Kluivert and Hans Hateboer, provides stability and cover for the attacking players.

In midfield, Tyler Morton and Pavel Šulc are pivotal, with Šulc also serving as the team’s top scorer. Their responsibilities include breaking up opposition play and initiating swift transitions into attack, aided by Afonso Moreira’s creativity in the attacking midfield role.

Offensively, Lyon’s strategy centres on maintaining high possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities, as seen in their recent 4-2 win over PAOK Thessaloniki FC. Endrick, alongside Khalis Merah, leads the attack, using their pace and technical skills to break down defences. However, the absence of key players such as Rachid Ghezzal and Corentin Tolisso due to injury may require tactical adjustments to maintain their recent form.

Lille Analysis & Past Performance

Lille have endured a difficult run of form recently, securing only one win in their last five matches. Despite a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Freiburg in the Europa League, they have suffered setbacks in Ligue 1 with defeats to Strasbourg (1-4) and Paris Saint-Germain (0-3).

Home Side	Away Side	Score	Competition	Date
Lille	Freiburg	1 – 0 (Win)	Europa League	29 Jan 2026
Lille	Strasbourg	1 – 4 (Loss)	Ligue 1	25 Jan 2026
Celta Vigo	Lille	2 – 1 (Loss)	Europa League	22 Jan 2026
Paris Saint-Germain	Lille	3 – 0 (Loss)	Ligue 1	16 Jan 2026
Lille	Lyon	1 – 2 (Loss)	Coupe de France	11 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

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Lille’s attack has struggled for consistency, averaging just 0.80 goals per match in their last five fixtures, while conceding an average of 2.20 goals. Defensively, they have managed only one clean sheet, highlighting vulnerabilities that opponents have exploited. Their away form mirrors this inconsistency, with a win ratio of 40% from their previous five away games.

Lille Suspensions & Injuries

Lille will be without several key players due to injury, which could significantly affect their performance against Lyon. Benjamin André’s shoulder injury is a notable absence, potentially disrupting the midfield’s balance and experience. André Gomes is also sidelined with a muscle injury, though he is expected back within 1-2 weeks, offering some hope for future matches. The absences of Nabil Bentaleb and Thomas Meunier, due to a dislocated shoulder and a hamstring injury respectively, further deplete Lille’s options, particularly in defensive and midfield roles. With Osame Sahraoui also out with a groin injury, Lille’s attacking depth is similarly affected, necessitating tactical adjustments.

Ousmane Touré and Hamza Igamane are both out for the season with cruciate ligament injuries, limiting Lille’s defensive rotation options. The long-term absence of these players may force coach Bruno Génésio to rely heavily on current starters, increasing the risk of fatigue and further injuries as the season progresses.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Ousmane Touré	Cruciate ligament injury	Late April 2026
André Gomes	Muscle injury	About 1-2 weeks
Benjamin André	Shoulder injury	Early February 2026
Hamza Igamane	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for the season
Nabil Bentaleb	Dislocated shoulder	Early March 2026
Osame Sahraoui	Groin injury	Late February 2026
Thomas Meunier	Hamstring injury	Late February 2026

The potential return of some players, such as André Gomes in the coming weeks, might bolster Lille’s squad depth. However, the immediate priority will be managing the current squad effectively against a strong Lyon side. Lille’s 5-4-1 formation is likely to remain unchanged, but the absence of key personnel may result in a more conservative approach, focusing on defensive solidity and counter-attacks. Betting markets may view these absences as a disadvantage to Lille, potentially influencing odds in Lyon’s favour.

Lille Key Players

Lille’s key player for the upcoming match against Lyon is undoubtedly their top scorer, Hákon Arnar Haraldsson, who has netted 5 goals this season. Haraldsson’s clinical finishing and ability to find space in the box make him a constant threat to any defence. His partnership with Olivier Giroud up front is expected to play a pivotal role, leveraging Giroud’s experience and aerial prowess to create scoring opportunities. In midfield, the young talent Ethan Mbappé provides creativity and energy, while Matías Fernández-Pardo’s vision and passing range are crucial for transitioning play from defence to attack.

Defensively, the presence of Chancel Mbemba and Aïssa Mandi will be vital in organising Lille’s backline and dealing with Lyon’s attacking threats. Mbemba’s physicality and Mandi’s tactical awareness are key strengths that Lille will rely on to maintain defensive solidity.

Expected lineup for Lille:

• Goalkeeper: Berke Özer
• Defence: Tiago Santos, Nathan Ngoy, Chancel Mbemba, Aïssa Mandi, Romain Perraud
• Midfield: Ethan Mbappé, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Matías Fernández-Pardo, Ngal Ayel Mukau
• Forward: Olivier Giroud

Lille Tactics and Formation

Lille Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 5-4-1
• Key Forward: Olivier Giroud
• Midfield Engine: Ethan Mbappé and Matías Fernández-Pardo
• Defensive Line: Five-man defence with Chancel Mbemba as a key figure
• Notable Strategy: Defensive solidity with rapid counter-attacks.

Lille’s 5-4-1 formation is designed to maintain defensive resilience while allowing for swift counter-attacks. With Chancel Mbemba anchoring the central defence, this setup aims to absorb pressure and exploit spaces left by the opposition. The inclusion of the experienced Olivier Giroud as the lone forward provides a focal point for counter-attacks and set pieces.

In midfield, Ethan Mbappé and Matías Fernández-Pardo are expected to play crucial roles in transitioning from defence to attack. Their ability to press and recover possession will be pivotal, especially given Lille’s recent struggles to maintain clean sheets.

Offensively, Lille’s strategy depends on Giroud’s ability to hold up play and bring midfielders into the attack. The pace on the flanks, particularly from Tiago Santos, will be essential in stretching Lyon’s defence and creating opportunities. Despite recent losses, the tactical discipline shown against Freiburg in their last clean sheet victory suggests Lille can be resilient when required.

Lyon vs Lille Head-to-Head Record

Lyon and Lille have met 50 times, with Lille narrowly leading the head-to-head record, boasting 18 wins to Lyon’s 17, alongside 18 draws. The last encounter saw Lyon claim a 2-1 victory away in the Coupe de France earlier this year, demonstrating their ability to perform on the road.

Their most recent Ligue 1 meeting was a narrow 1-0 win for Lyon at Lille’s ground, indicating a competitive edge for Lyon in recent clashes. The last time Lyon hosted Lille in Ligue 1, they secured a 2-1 victory, suggesting a favourable trend when playing at Groupama Stadium.

Home Side	Away Side	Outcome	Tournament	Date
Lille	Lyon	1 – 2	French Cup	2026-01-11
Lille	Lyon	0 – 1	French League 1	2025-09-28
Lyon	Lille	2 – 1	French League 1	2025-04-05
Lille	Lyon	1 – 1	French League 1	2024-11-01
Lille	Lyon	3 – 4	French League 1	2024-05-06