The Old Trafford stadium will host this Thursday evening a crucial meeting of the Europa League, opposing Manchester United and Olympique Lyonnais for the quarter-finals return. Following an intense go match that ended on a parity score of two goals each, thanks to a saving goal from Rayan Cherki in the last minutes, the Gones are hoping to qualify for the last square of the competition, following the example of Paris Saint-Germain who has already validated his ticket in English lands. The stakes are considerable for both teams, who will wage a fierce battle to reach the European semifinals.

The likely compositions of the two teams, aligned by Ruben Amorim for Manchester United and Paulo Fonseca for Olympique Lyonnais, suggest interesting strategies. Nemanja Matic, who remained on the bench during the all-round match, could find a place to take in front of his former club, adding a particular dimension to this confrontation. The compositions envisaged reveal a mixture of experienced players and young talent, promising an offensive show and intense struggle in the middle of the field. The start of this decisive meeting is scheduled at 9 p.m.

Probable compositions for Manchester United include Onana in the goals, a defence composed of Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro and Dalot, a midfielder with Casemiro, Ugarte and Dogru, and an attack by Garnacho, Höjlund and Fernandes (Captain). On the side of Olympique Lyonnais, Perri will hold the post of guard, a defence articulated around Maitland-Niles, Mata, Niakhaté and Tagliafico, a midfielder with Veretout and Matic, and an attack led by Cherki, Tolisso (Captain) and Mikautadze. The referee for the meeting will be Mr Schärer.