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For the upcoming Europa League quarterfinal game between West Ham and Lyon, the latest West Ham vs Lyon Prediction and Betting Odds are in favor of West Ham.

The Europa League is back with a bang for its 1st leg of the quarterfinal game with a promised action-packed football. On Thursday, West Ham is set to face a mighty challenge in Lyon in their own backyard.

West Ham has so far enjoyed a good season in England as well as in Europe whereas Lyon hasnt had the best of performances in the last 5 games pushing them to 9th place in Ligue 1.

Even though West Ham has a sizeable advantage going into this game, according to past performances and the prediction platforms, Lyon would be looking to pull off a surprise win on Thursday night.

West Ham vs Lyon Prediction and Betting Odds

West Ham

Lyon

Predicted Winner

Win Probability: 48%

Win Probability: 24%

West Ham

Odds: 53/50

Odds: 11/4

West Ham

West Ham have done a tidy job so far across tournaments and against different oppositions. The consistency shown by the dark horses in Premier League and Europa League deserves appreciation.

In the premier league, they are currently occupying the 6th position with 15 victories in 31 outings which includes a strong home record. They have also impressed everyone with a 1st place finish in the group stage of the Europa League.

After making it to the round of 16, they had a stiff challenge in the form of Sevilla but the David Moyes men looked unfazed as they won it comfortably to make it to the quarterfinal.

On the other hand, the French-based Lyon side have had a contrasting performance in Ligue 1 when compared to that of the Europa League. While they are struggling to find their feat in Ligue 1, the Lyon seems to do well when they play in Europe.

Currently, the team is tattering under pressure in 9th place with just 12 triumphs in 30 Ligue 1 whereas they topped Group A in Europa League with dominating wins. In their last knockout game against FC Porto in the round of 16, the side managed to qualify for the next round with a 2-1 margin.

The 2019-20 Champions league semifinalists would be itching to replicate their form against the English side.

This is the first fixture between West Ham and Lyon in any tournament. The two teams have not played any head-to-head matches in the past.

Attack:

Looking at West Hams attack, it seems that Michail Antonio has a huge task in hand as a striker. He has scored 10 goals and 9 assists in the last 37 games and has 67.7% success in passes along with 1.7 dribbles and 1.5 key passes every game so far. He will have to be backed up by the likes of Bowen and Noble who have found back their charisma for the team.

Jarrod Bowen has been proactive in the middle with 13 goals and 9 assists in 40 games along with 75.5% pass success. Mark Noble is yet to score for the side who is rated a below par score of 6.06 this season.

Moussa Dembele has scored 13 goals and involved in 3 assists in 26 outings so far. He has been a trump card for the side who has 64.3% pass rate along with 2.3 shots on target and 0.8 key passes per game so far.

He will be accompanied by Houssem Aouar who has been one of the top-scorer for his club this year with 5 goals and 3 assists and has 85.5% pass success along with a rating of 6.92.

This duo will be accompanied by Lucas Pacqueta who scores often in the Ligue 1 is known for dribbling, tackling and providing key passes as the winger. He has 11 goals and 6 assists in 38 outings.

Defense:

The backline of Kurt Zouma, Cresswell, and Dawson will have to throw in a formidable challenge against Lyon. Center back Kurt Zouma has 87.2% pass success along with 5.6 clears per match which might turn out to be significant in the coming match.

Aaron Cresswell is a versatile player for the team who not only defends but creates chances. He has 6 assists in 32 games at 83% pass accuracy along with 0.9 tackles and 1.6 clears in the recent past.

Fabin Balbuena is an asset to the team with his intercepting skills and scored an all-important goal against Spurs in October.

The Lyon defense has the services of Boateng, Lukeba, and Emerson. Jerome Boateng who plays as the center back is a regular in the side with 87% pass success along with two assists in the Ligue 1 so far. The defensive numbers look astounding with 1 tackle, 0.9 interceptions and 3.3 clears per game so far.

Castello Lukeba is also a versatile player who has 90.3% pass completion rate along with 1.6 interceptions and 2.1 clears per game. Emersons strengths include passing and crossing. He has 86% pass accuracy, 1.9 clears and 1.3 tackles per game so far along with a rating of 6.83.

Even though West Ham is the hot favorite here, the visitors have every opportunity to pull off a surprising victory according to the betting platforms and prediction experts. FCTables known for giving out accurate predictions have given 48% chance to the hosts whereas Lyon is tipped to win with just 24% chance next weekend.

According to BettingOdds, hosts are given favorable odds of 53/50 in contrast to that of the underdogs who have large odds stacked against them.

The premium website FiveThirtyEight has also gone on to predict West Ham as the front runners in this interesting clash with a 47% chance whereas the French-based club have been given a decent chance of 24% of emerging victorious.

Read: Liverpool vs Man City Prediction and Betting Odds

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West Ham vs Lyon Prediction and Betting Odds - http://www.crowdwisdom.live

One of the shared experiences that binds fans from across all sports is the sobering realization they must face when it comes to their age and that of their favorite players.

Often occurring at the same time, new starsof the game may look like mere children while thesame demigods who drew you to the sport in the first place fade.Essentially, the experience of bearing witness to superstar athletes becomes a less-creepy version of Matthew McConaugheys famous line from Dazed and Confused: I get older, they stay the same age.

But as the World Cup approaches, two stars who appear ageless for their capacity to thrill and bewilder us have begun to confront their future.

While Cristiano Ronaldo may appear to be pulling the Tom Brady-esque stunt of defying the aging process, international soccers Super Bowl is not played each year but every four (although FIFA has been flirting with cutting that in half). And with Ronaldo having just turned 37, there is still one very obvious piece of hardware missing from his trophy cabinet.

Lionel Messi, meanwhile, will turn 35 this summer. In 2014, the Argentina star was a Germany extra-time goal away from potentially basking in World Cup glory. But last summer, Messi won his first trophy with the Albiceleste senior team at the Copa Amrica, and everyone knows what the late Diego Maradona accomplished on the World Cup stage that Messi still has not.

And now, we must begin to come to terms that these legends may soon be sailing off into the World Cup sunsetand that boat may very well disembark from the artificial beaches of Qatar.

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On Saturday, after Argentinas 30th consecutive game without a loss, Messi may have made headlines for his comments about his future, but he was simply stating the obvious.

I dont know what I will do after the World Cup, Messi said. I am thinking about what is coming. After Qatar I will have to reassess many things.

Messi has already retired once from the national team after losing the 2016 Copa Amrica Centenario on penalties, but it was short-lived. That announcement was difficult to believe given the emotion and heartbreak of losing another final. But Saturdays comments had a different ring to it, mostly because we can now begin to picture a stadium without him on the field. After all, we have already had to confront seeing him without the Barcelona stripes that seemed tattooed to his figure.

When addressing his future Monday, Ronaldo gave a more blunt version of the same response, as if he could defy age by out-hustling it with his hallmark work ethic: If I feel like playing, I will keep playing. If I dont, I wont.

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If theres anyone who could substantially contribute to a World Cup at 41 years old (Ronaldos age at the 2026 World Cup), Ronaldo is as likely a figure given his famous work ethic and fitness level. He only needs to look at Zlatan Ibrahimovi as an example. The AC Milan forward nearly helped Sweden book its ticket to Qatar at the age of 40 before the countrys loss to Poland in Tuesdays playoff final.

But it was also Ibrahimovi who gave the most nuanced answer of the stars when asked about his future, and one can imagine it applies to both Messi and Ronaldo.

I dont want to regret stopping football and then saying that I could continue to play football because then Id regret it for the rest of my life, seeing that I could have continued,Ibrahimovi told UEFA.com. I want to play as long as I can. The reality is Ill play until I see that someone is better than me, so Im still playing.

But because of their age and the toll four more years may take, its difficult to imagine both Messi and Ronaldo being at the 2026 World Cup, or at the very least being the star upon which their entire national team setups orbit. That thought alone sets the upcoming World Cup from the others, not because itll be yet another chapter in their intertwined storiesaside from their club-level individual rivalry, their teams both went out on the same day at the 2018 World Cupbut because it could realistically be the last time we see the two icons vie on the same stage for a grand prize that neither has won. The fact that the chance exists that one could take that dream away from the other in a potential knockout game makes the 2022 World Cup that much more delectable.

Imago Images (2)

But rather than labeling the 2022 World Cup as a last dance, maybe it would be better to consider this a jubilee or sorts, in the same way that nations commemorate the reign of monarchs. For both, it will be their fifth World Cup appearance in careers filled with memories and poignant moments. However, the element that is perhaps most exhilarating about what is to come is something that we have not seen from the duo yet, but was on full display during their first World Cup in 2006.

Sixteen years ago in Germany, as the two phenoms debuted on the sports biggest stage, a paragon of the heights they would achieve (and arguably surpass) was departing. Although Italy won in a thriller, Zinedine Zidane left the lasting image of the tournament when he strode past the trophy following his infamous red card. It was yet another sterling example of the extraordinary lengths superstars will go to when they know it might beor in Zidanes case, would betheir last shot at another slice of glory.

That thought alone is enough for any soccer fan to ponder the desperation and drive that Ronaldo and Messi will show in Qatar. The fight for a 50-50 ball, the scrum during a corner, the huff of breath before a free kick or the dazzling hellbent run from their final third to the opponents penalty area. Just imagine the last 30 minutes of a potential knockout game (or final) in which Argentina or Portugal is tied or trailing, and how that alone would push Messi and Ronaldo to summon every fiber in their being to will their teams to victory. And then imagine stoppage time, and the ticking seconds and pounding heartbeats before the final whistle.

Ponder that moment and bask in it, because it is near, and because what will follow will be either glory or more heartbreak, quite possibly for the final time on the World Cup stage. Both can lose, but only one can win; and even though we are still months away from finding out which one will occur, the thought is enough to electrify.

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Messi, Ronaldo and the Potential Last Dance for Transcendent Stars at the World Cup - Sports Illustrated

It speaks volumes about the health of the England national team that during this international break so much time has been spent fretting over trivial matters.

A conversation about centre-back options when England have a settled defensive setup performing perfectly well; a debate over Trent Alexander-Arnold when England possess three of the best right-backs in Europe; and question marks over the midfield selection that centre on how to fit in so much talent.

England have never looked so good, have never been so prepared for a major tournament.

A semi-final appearance in 2018 and a final shootout defeat in 2021 already makes this the best period of form in the nations history, and scrolling through the list of names hoping to make the plane to Qatar, there is an argument to be made that this is the best-ever England squad.

Granted, the Golden Generation of the 2000s had more individual talent, and although younger readers are probably sick of hearing about that lot, the reason we keep banging on about it is because its hard to believe how far England have come since those toxic days of tabloid vitriol and inter-club rivalry.

Gareth Southgates camp is happy, motivated, and together. They are even cultural ambassadors, a progressive group of young men who have brought a sense of national pride to the England football team. That, alone, is an incredible achievement.

Anyone wondering whether the good vibes are simply a product of frictionless tournament progress against weaker nations (and England have enjoyed very kind draws under Southgate) should take note of how Harry Maguire and Jack Grealish performed in the 3-0 defeat of Ivory Coast.

Both players have endured difficult seasons at club level, but both looked as self-assured as ever in an England shirt.

That is the power of a united dressing room and an encouraging manager. The shirt hangs light. Playing for England is a breath of fresh air for the players, a chance to restore themselves.

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Good vibes dont win World Cups, but for all the hand-wringing over Southgates tactical acumen he has shown a keen eye for the style best suited to international level even though that means sacrificing some of his more talented attacking players.

All debates around Englands tactical preparations for Qatar must understand that central point.

Southgate has studied the winners of major tournaments throughout the 21st century and correctly identified that international football is all about quiet control and compact, reactive football.

From the naked caution of Italy (2006) to the counterattacking Germany (2014) and France (2018), winning requires a relatively deep line of engagement, compressing space by sitting off, and then making use of the transitions.

The hard pressing and possession football fashionable at club level (and therefore often demanded by supporters) requires lots of time to coach the structures.

One thing you dont have at international level is time.

Consequently, no matter how much you might want to see Trent Alexander-Arnold bombing down the wings and Grealish and Jadon Sancho sweeping through opponents from either flank, Southgate will never embrace this kind of football.

In fact, assessing what England want to do and where they need to improve only requires analysis of one game: the Euro 2020 final.

Getty

England began in a conservative 3-4-3, happy to concede possession and to control the match calmly from within a midblock that tentatively expected Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling, and Harry Kane to do all the attacking.

But as the match wore on, England began to fall deeper and play within themselves, losing their grip just as they did in the World Cup semi-final defeat to Croatia. Even switching to a more attacking 4-2-3-1 could not swing the momentum back.

Englands World Cup will follow the same basic idea: 4-2-3-1 against the smaller nations and 3-4-3 against the bigger, with the option of a formation switch should they lose control. When that is understood, many of the so-called problems disappear.

Kyle Walker is the first-choice right-back in the 4-2-3-1 because he develops a relationship with Maguire and John Stones that allows them all to shuffle across seamlessly when the back three comes out.

Conversations around Conor Gallagher or Phil Foden become irrelevant when considering that in the games that matter England are settled on a midfield two of Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips.

Having said that, the midfield configuration has been the biggest development over the March international break.

The 2-1 victory Switzerland was ultimately controlled by England but the first half was too open for Southgates liking, a game far too entertaining if England are to emulate their Euro 2020 record of two goals conceded in five knockout matches.

In short, starting Gallagher and Mount as eights did not work, leaving a large midfield gap that the Swiss used to counter.

Getty

Gallagher is brilliant at charging around midfield but that is not what is required. England were much better after Rice came on, and Southgate will see that as the last time he experiments with opening up a bit more.

However, Jude Bellinghams superb and assured display against Ivory Coast is important.

What the Euro 2020 final defeat showed was that the one area England need to improve is how to wrestle control of a game that is slowly turning against them. In the imperious, supremely talented Bellingham, they have that player.

He wont start often. But should England find themselves waning in a knockout game and in need of a third central midfielder to grab the ball and push back, then Bellingham is undoubtedly Englands best option.

His elegance under pressure, constant forward momentum, and strength in possession is exactly what is needed.

That, alone, was worth learning this month. England have a settled camp, a settled couple of formations, and a settled playing style with the tournament record to back it up.

Any concerns over who should play any booing of stalwarts who deserve better have been manufactured simply because the nation isnt used to this level of harmony.

The only valid concern is how to regain territory and composure when matches start drifting away from them. But, with Bellingham on board, there is now a solution even to this.

England are third favourites to win the 2022 World Cup, behind France and Brazil. Judging by the talent, the experience, and the tactical strategy, even the bookies might be slightly underestimating Southgates team.

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England's best-ever squad? Why Southgate's settled side can win the 2022 World Cup - Goal.com

The United States mens national team qualified for the 2022 World Cup on Wednesday, claiming one of CONCACAFs three automatic tickets to Qatar 2022 despite losing 2-0 to Costa Rica in San Jos. It is the 11th time the USMNT have reached the tournament - and the first since 2014. While the US' previous 10 World Cup appearances include a third-placed finish, their run to the quarter-finals two decades ago is surely their most impressive performance.

It was at the very first World Cup, in Uruguay in 1930, that the Americans made the podium. Just 13 teams took part in the finals, which remain the only edition of the tournament that didnt require qualification. Seven South American countries and two from North America were joined by a mere four from Europe - Belgium, France, Romania and Yugoslavia - as the Old Continent mostly balked at the long trip to Uruguay.

Drawn in a three-team group with Paraguay and Belgium, the US clinched top spot with ease. A 3-0 victory over Belgium was followed by a win over the Paraguayans by the same scoreline, in a game that witnessed the World Cups first ever hat-trick, scored by Bert Patenaude.

Led by the Irish-born coach Jack Coll, the team featured six UK natives, but US soccer historian Roger Allaway says the British influence on the side has often been exaggerated in the years since. The fact is that there were six players in that team who had been born in Britain - five in Scotland and one in England - but four of those came to America as children or teenagers years before, and only one of the six had ever played a professional minute in British soccer, Allaway told an interview with US Soccer Players in 2013.

Through to the semi-finals as winners of Group 4, the US were handed a last-four tie with Argentina - and having so far scored six, they now conceded six, James Brown replying with a late consolation. Argentina went on to lose the final to Uruguay, and the US were awarded third place ahead of fellow losing semi-finalists Yugoslavia on account of their superior goal difference.

Seventy-two years later, in South Korea and Japan, the US reached the last eight in what has to be their greatest achievement thus far at the tournament. In 1930, the World Cup was a competition in its infancy, involving a small selection of the globes best and requiring just two positive results to reach the semi-finals. By 2002, 199 countries entered qualification for a World Cup that had grown to 32 teams, its final field including seven previous winners.

2002 is also the first World Cup at which the US won a knockout game, Brian McBride and Landon Donavan scoring the goals for Bruce Arenas men as they beat North American rivals Mexico in the last 16.

To get to the knockout stages, the US had produced a stunning win over Portugal in their opening group-stage game - holding on for a 3-2 victory after racing into a 3-0 first-half lead - before earning a 1-1 draw with hosts South Korea. A 3-1 defeat to Poland followed in the final round of group matches, but, thankfully for the Americans, Korea's win over Portugal sent them through regardless.

After seeing off Mexico in the last 16, the US came up against eventual runners-up Germany in the quarter-finals. Though they were beaten by Michael Ballacks first-half goal in Ulsan, the Stars and Stripes were left legitimately aggrieved when Torsten Fring's unpunished handball on the goal line denied current coach Gregg Berhalter an equaliser. I think if we were one of the big countries, we would have gotten that call, head coach Bruce Arena complained afterwards.

The US will take their place in Pot 2 in Fridays draw for the 2022 World Cup, which is to be held in Doha at 12 noon ET/9am PT. Youll be able to follow live-text coverage of the draw with AS USA.

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How many World Cups have the USMNT qualified for, and what's their best tournament result? - AS USA

England will face the United States while Mexico will take on Argentina following the draw for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

2018 champions France have been drawn with Denmark, while Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal have been paired with Uruguay.

Hosts Qatar are in Group A with Netherlands, Brazil take on Switzerland in the pools, Belgium drew Croatia while European giants Spain and Germany are in what looks like the group of death.

The tournament starts on Monday, November 21 and the opening game will see the hosts Qatar take on Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium.

The group stage will run until Friday, December 2 before the first knockout game takes place on Saturday, December 3.

The final of the 2022 World Cup will take place at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday, December 18.

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World Cup draw: England get USMNT and Mexico are paired with Argentina in 2022 group stage - Goal.com