The Europa League quarter-finals kick off Thursday, and Olympique Lyonnais host Manchester United in the first leg of their tie.
Lyon have been in good form of late, winning four of their last five Ligue 1 matches and easing past FCSB in the Europa League semi-finals. Their most recent match was 2-1 victory over Lille that allowed them to leap into fifth place in the league and keep their hopes of securing a Champions League berth alive.
Meanwhile, United have no such ambitions as they are 13th in the Premier League and stand no realistic chance of climbing into the top five. The Red Devils have struggled to score goals lately, going goalless in their last two matches, but they will be expected to give the Europa League their full focus as their final chance at a trophy this season.
Here's what you need to know about Lyon and Manchester United ahead of their first leg.
Manchester United are undefeated in four all-time meetings between these sides, winning two.
(via Lyon)
“We know it will be an important match for Manchester United, but it will also be a very important match for us. Perhaps even more decisive for them, because it is their only chance of getting a place in the European Cup. For our part, we have prepared for this match as if we were going to face the best possible Manchester United.”
(via BBC)
"[To win this competition is] important in all aspects. First, to win a title - especially a European title. In this season, winning something like that is massive for us and for confidence. Then, for the future and next season. To play Champions League for our club is massive. The summer, the budget for the summer, everything is connected to that competition."
United will look to escape with a draw here and play for a victory in the next leg, and history suggests they can do it even if the teams' recent results don't.
Prediction: Lyon 1-1 Manchester United