UEFA Europa League: Lyon vs Roma preview

The most interesting clash of Thursday's Europa League line-up takes place in France, where Lyon host AS Roma at Parc Olympique Lyonnais in the first leg of their last-sixteen tie. The two teams have met in the Champions League group stage back in 2007 and Roma won 2-0 in France after a goalless draw in the Italian capital. Overall, Roma have lost just one of their nine matches against French teams in European competitions. Lyon have produced spectacular performances in the previous round of the Europa League as they beat Dutch side AZ Alkmaar 4-1 away and 7-1 at home. They are on a five-game unbeaten streak in all competitions, including last week's 1-1 Ligue 1 draw at Bordeaux. Lyon are pretty much out of the title race in France and a top-three spot is also out of reach, so the Europa League is their main focus for the remainder of the season. Head coach Bruno Genesio has no injury concerns ahead of this match. Roma have knocked out Spanish side Villarreal in the previous round after a convincing 4-0 away win and a 1-0 defeat at home. Immediately after that clash, Roma secured a fine 3-1 Serie A victory at Inter, but then lost consecutive matches against Lazio in Coppa Italia and Napoli in the league. Antonio Rudiger is suspended for this match, while Alessandro Florenzi remains out for the rest of the season. Probable line-ups: Lyon: Lopes - Jalet, Mammana, Diakhaby, Rybus - Tousart, Gonalons, Tolisso - Valbuena - Lacazette, Fekir Roma: Alisson - Peres, Manolas, Fazio, Juan Jesus - Paredes, Strootman - Salah, Nainggolan, Perotti - Dzeko My prediction: 1-1 draw. Here are the odds for the match at Bet365: Lyon win - 2.50 Draw - 3.60 Roma win - 2.88