Mariano Diaz Monaco Lyon Ligue 1 04022018Gettyimages

Olympique Lyonnais v Villarreal Betting Preview: Latest odds, team news, tips and predictions

The fifth placed side in La Liga travel to the team currently fourth in Ligue 1 for a highly anticipated Europa League tie as Lyon host Villarreal.

Both sides have plenty of young, exciting players and Thursday night's game at the Groupama Stadium could well be an entertaining encounter.

Latest odds

Neither side come into the game in great domestic form. Lyon have lost their last three Ligue 1 games while Villarreal have suffered back to back La Liga defeats.

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Paddy Power price the hosts at 5/6 (1.83), while the Yellow Submarine can be backed at 3/1 (4.00). The draw is offered at 5/2 (3.50).

Pablo Fornals VillarrealGetty

Team news

Central midfielder Rodri should come back into the starting eleven for Villarreal having been suspended at the weekend.

The Spanish side are still missing long-term absentees Bruno Soriano and Nicola Sansone.

Meanwhile, Lyon's former Real Madrid striker Mariano Diaz will be keen to make an impact against a side from La Liga. The 24-year-old is likely to start up front, looking to add to his tally of 16 goals this term.

Groupama Stadium guarantees European goals 

Lyon have been extremely strong at home in the Europa League over the last couple of seasons.

Lyon Villarreal graphic

Les Gones have won six and drawn one of the seven matches they have played, scoring 24 goals in the process.

Villarreal will provide competitive opposition and Javi Calleja's side can contribute to a high scoring game on Thursday evening, having netted in each of their last seven matches.

Tips and predictions

Both teams to score is priced at just 4/6 (1.66), while over 2.5 goals can be backed at the slightly more appealing price of 4/5 (1.80).

This bet has paid out in six of Lyon's last seven European home games, as well as in five of their last six matches in all competitions. Villarreal's last four La Liga games have all also seen at least three goals. 

Betting Banner - Best Bet Over 2.5 goals at 4/5 (1.80) for a 3pt stake with Paddy Power Paddy Power banner
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