In the upcoming clash, Lyon will be relying heavily on Georges Mikautadze, who emerged as one of the joint top scorers during Euro 2024 with a notable tally of three goals.
His sharp form and ability to find the back of the net make him a pivotal figure in Lyon’s attacking lineup.
Mikautadze’s performance at the Euros has cemented his reputation as a reliable goalscorer, and Lyon will be looking to him to lead the line effectively as they face a formidable opponent in Arsenal.
Accompanying Mikautadze in Lyon’s attacking setup is a blend of experience and youth across the pitch.
Nemanja Matic, the seasoned midfielder who continues to perform at a high level even at the age of 36, will anchor Lyon’s midfield.
His experience, tactical awareness, and ability to control the tempo of the game will be crucial for Lyon, especially in a high-stakes match like this.
Matic’s role as the midfield general involves not just breaking up opposition play, but also distributing the ball and supporting both the defense and attack, making him indispensable to Lyon’s setup.
Lyon’s defense will be marshaled by goalkeeper Anthony Lopes, who is expected to start between the posts.
Lopes has been a reliable last line of defense for Lyon, and his shot-stopping abilities, coupled with his experience, will be vital as they face Arsenal’s potent attack.
The defensive line in front of him is likely to feature Manuel Mata and Duje Caleta-Car, both of whom will be tasked with keeping Arsenal’s attackers at bay.
Alongside them will be Moussa Niakhaté, who brings a physical presence and aerial ability to Lyon’s backline, while Abner is expected to provide width and support from the full-back position.
In midfield, Lyon’s setup will likely include the versatile Maxence Caqueret, who has established himself as a key player in recent seasons.
His energy, passing accuracy, and ability to link defense with attack will be important as Lyon looks to transition quickly and exploit any weaknesses in Arsenal’s defense.
Caqueret, alongside Matic and Orel Mangala, will form the core of Lyon’s midfield, each bringing their own unique qualities to the table.
Mangala’s physicality and ability to win duels make him an essential part of Lyon’s midfield engine room.
Moving to the flanks, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who is expected to start on the wing, will add pace and creativity to Lyon’s attack.
His ability to beat defenders and deliver crosses will be key to supplying Mikautadze with opportunities in the box.
On the opposite flank, Saïd Benrahma is anticipated to offer a different kind of threat.
Benrahma’s dribbling skills and eye for goal make him a dangerous player who can cut inside and create scoring chances either for himself or for his teammates.
On the other hand, Arsenal’s lineup is expected to feature a strong starting XI, with David Raya likely to be preferred in goal.
In defense, Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Oleksandr Zinchenko are set to form a solid backline, combining defensive solidity with the ability to contribute to Arsenal’s build-up play.
White’s versatility, Saliba’s composure, Gabriel’s strength, and Zinchenko’s creativity from the left-back position make Arsenal’s defense a formidable unit.
In midfield, Martin Ødegaard will take up the playmaker role, orchestrating Arsenal’s attacks with his vision and passing range.
Alongside him, Declan Rice, who has become a key figure in Arsenal’s midfield since his move from West Ham, will offer defensive stability and ball-winning ability.
Kai Havertz is likely to complete the midfield trio, providing a blend of creativity and goal-scoring threat from deeper positions.
Arsenal’s forward line will be led by Gabriel Jesus, who will operate as the central striker.
Supported by Bukayo Saka on the right wing and Gabriel Martinelli on the left, Arsenal’s attack promises to be dynamic and difficult to contain.
Saka’s direct running and ability to cut inside, combined with Martinelli’s pace and sharp finishing, will be central to Arsenal’s attacking strategy.
As both teams prepare for this encounter, the key battles on the pitch are likely to determine the outcome.
Lyon’s mix of experience and youthful exuberance, particularly in midfield and attack, will need to be at its best to counter Arsenal’s well-rounded and talented squad.
With both teams boasting quality across the pitch, this match is set to be an intriguing contest, with each side looking to capitalize on their strengths to secure a victory.
