Lyon vs Valenciennes prediction 02.04.2024

• Competition: Coupe de France, Semi-Finals
• Date: Tuesday, 2nd April 2024
• Kickoff: 19:45 UTC +1 / 20:45 CEST
• Venue: Parc Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon)

This season was a real rollercoaster for Lyon. After the first 15 rounds in Ligue 1, they were the last team on the league table, and it looked like they could have one of the worst seasons in the club's history. Still, Les Gones turned things around after changing the coach and an active winter transfer window. If we only look at the last part of the season, Lyon would be on track to qualify for the Champions League! Right now, they are four points away from the 7th place, which could potentially lead to Europe (depending on the Cup outcome). Still, since they played a game more than 7th-placed Marseille and 8th-placed Rennes, their best chance of reaching Europe is through the Cup. 

Valenciennes are playing their tenth season in Ligue 2, where they were mostly in the lower part of the league's table. Still, it doesn't seem likely they would play in Ligue 2 next season, considering they are 20th with only 17 points - 18 points away from the safe zone. With only eight rounds left, avoiding relegation is almost impossible. Even though they reached the Cup Semi-Finals, we have to mention they had a super-lucky schedule, avoiding Ligue 1 teams until now. 

Lyon vs Valenciennes pick: Lyon to win and cover the -1.5 AH spread

Lyon are in excellent form, winning eight of ten matches in all competitions. Generally, they have been playing well for over three months, and we consider them strong favorites against struggling Valenciennes.

Valenciennes are playing an absolutely terrible season in Ligue 2, winning only two games in 30 rounds! Their only bright spot of the season is in the Cup, but they have had really weak opponents so far. Recently, their performances have only worsened as they won only two points in four matches while failing to score on all four occasions. So, even scoring against Lyon will be a challenging task. 

The difference in form and the overall quality of the teams is massive, and we firmly believe Lyon should secure a comfortable home win and advance to the Cup Finals.