Young Boys vs Lyon Europa League Preview and Prediction
Europa League 2025/26
Main Stage – Round 7
Match Date: January 22, 2026
Kickoff Time: 21:00 CET (Bern local time)
Venue: Stadion Wankdorf, Bern
Match Background
Young Boys welcome Lyon to Bern in the seventh round of the Europa League main stage, but the hosts face a daunting challenge against one of the tournament’s most consistent sides. The French visitors are highly motivated to secure another victory as they continue their strong continental campaign.
Team Form Overview
Young Boys
After dominating Swiss football with six league titles between 2018 and 2024, Young Boys have experienced a notable decline. They finished only third last season and are currently struggling to keep pace in the Super League, with a real possibility of slipping outside the top six.
In the Europa League, however, their journey has been respectable. Young Boys comfortably defeated Slovan Bratislava in both legs of the qualifiers. In the main stage, their record stands at three wins and three losses. The Swiss side ended the autumn phase with back-to-back defeats against PAOK and Aston Villa, but they regained confidence during the winter by edging Lille 1-0 at home.
Lyon
Lyon endured domestic inconsistency last season and a mid-campaign coaching change, yet they still managed to finish sixth. This season, Paulo Fonseca’s side have improved in structure and efficiency, although their league ambitions are now limited to maintaining a top-three position.
In Europe, Lyon have been one of the standout teams. Their only blemish came in a 0-2 away defeat to Real Betis. Aside from that, they have beaten every opponent they have faced, including a recent 2-1 victory over Go Ahead Eagles.
Europa League Form Snapshot
Young Boys
Matches: 6
Wins: 3
Losses: 3
Goals Scored (avg): 1.5
Goals Conceded (avg): 1.75
Lyon
Matches: 6
Wins: 5
Losses: 1
Goals Scored (avg): 2.17
Goals Conceded (avg): 0.5
Key Statistics and Trends
Young Boys have lost two of their last three matches in all competitions
The Swiss side concede more goals than they score on average
Lyon have won five of their last six matches
The French club boast one of the strongest defensive records in the competition
Probable Starting Lineups
Young Boys (4-2-3-1)
Keller
Smith, Benito, Banizukru, Janko
Raveloson, Lauper
Virginius, Sanches, Fassnacht
Bedia
Lyon (4-3-3)
Greif
Tagliafico, Kluivert, Mata, Maitland-Niles
Tolisso, Morton, Abner
Mera, Moreira, Schulz
Head-to-Head History
This will be the first official or friendly meeting between Young Boys and Lyon, making it a completely fresh European matchup.
Odds Analysis
Market | Odds | Implied Probability | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
Lyon to Win | 1.75 | 57.1% | Reflects Lyon’s superior form and consistency |
Draw | 3.60 | 27.8% | Possible but unlikely given Lyon’s control style |
Young Boys to Win | 4.50 | 22.2% | Requires a major upset at home |
Over 2.5 Goals | 1.85 | 54.1% | Lyon’s attack could push the total higher |
Both Teams to Score | 1.70 | 58.8% | Young Boys usually score at home |
Free Prediction
Despite Young Boys’ home advantage and their recent win over Lille, it is difficult to see them stopping a well-organized Lyon side that has shown maturity and depth throughout the competition. Lyon’s defensive solidity combined with their attacking efficiency should be decisive.
Recommended Bet: Lyon to Win
Best Odds: 1.75
