BETTING GUIDE: Arsenal Women vs Olympique Lyonnais, Match Preview, Team News and Betting Tips
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Reading Time: 4min | Mon. 06.10.25. | 21:33
This fixture has all the ingredients of a European classic - two elite sides with rich histories and contrasting form. Arsenal, despite their recent setbacks, remain dangerous, especially at home.
One of the standout fixtures in the inaugural league phase of the 2025/26 UEFA Women’s Champions League will take place on Tuesday, 7 October, at Meadow Park, where Arsenal Women begin their title defence against French powerhouse Olympique Lyonnais.
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This clash between two of Europe’s most decorated sides promises fireworks, as both look to stake an early claim in a new six-game format aimed at replacing the traditional group stages.
Arsenal come into this fixture as reigning champions, having lifted the UWCL trophy in Lisbon last May with a gritty 1-0 win over Barcelona.
Their form heading into this campaign has dipped. After opening their Women’s Super League (WSL) season with comfortable wins over London City Lionesses and West Ham, the Gunners have hit a rough patch - going winless in their last three games.
Back-to-back draws against Aston Villa and Manchester United were followed by a 3-2 loss to Manchester City, a game that exposed defensive frailties despite goals from Mariona Caldentey and Chloe Kelly.
Despite recent domestic struggles, Arsenal will look to draw confidence from their emphatic 4-1 away win against Lyon in last season’s semi-final second leg.
That historic result showed Arsenal’s potential when in top gear.
Under Renée Slegers, they remain a tactically disciplined side with a wealth of attacking options, including Stina Blackstenius, Beth Mead, and Alessia Russo.
However, the absence of defensive lynchpin Leah Williamson due to a knee injury continues to affect their stability at the back.
Kelly is pushing for a starting spot after scoring off the bench last weekend, while Frida Maanum and Katie Reid may also be in contention to return to the starting XI.
While Arsenal’s form stutters, Lyon arrives in England full of confidence.
Under the leadership of new head coach Jonatan Giráldez - formerly of Barcelona - the French giants have started their domestic season in blistering form.
They have racked up seven straight wins in all competitions, scoring 19 goals in just four league games, including a 6-1 thrashing of PSG and an 8-1 demolition of RC Lens last weekend.
Giráldez has reenergised the side, blending the experience of club legends like Wendie Renard and Ada Hegerberg with rising stars such as Selma Bacha and Jule Brand.
Lyon’s depth and versatility give them an edge in big matches, and they will be eager to avenge last season’s semi-final exit at the hands of Arsenal.
The French side’s last visit to Meadow Park ended in a 2-1 win, and historically, they have enjoyed this fixture, winning three of the last five encounters.
Lyon also made squad rotations in their last domestic game, ensuring key players are well-rested for this European opener.
Expect a return to the starting XI for Bacha, Renard, Lindsey Horan, and possibly Hegerberg, who is battling for the number nine role with Marie-Antoinette Katoto
Going into this game, for Arsenal especially, the midfield battle will be crucial.
Arsenal's ability to resist Lyon’s aggressive pressing and retain possession under pressure could dictate the tempo.
Without Williamson in defence, the Gunners will need to maintain shape and avoid exposing their backline to Lyon’s wide overloads and quick transitions.
Lyon will look to dominate possession, using their fluid front line and experienced midfield to pull Arsenal’s defence out of position.
Their tactical discipline and cohesion under Giráldez have been key in their dominant run, and they will seek to exploit Arsenal’s current defensive vulnerabilities, especially in aerial duels and set-pieces.
Key Pointers
Both teams met twice in 2025, exchanging wins (4-1 to Arsenal and 2-1 to Lyon)
Lyon have won their last 11 matches across all competitions
Arsenal are winless in their last three games but remain unbeaten in five of their last six outings
Prediction
This fixture has all the ingredients of a European classic - two elite sides with rich histories and contrasting form.
Arsenal, despite their recent setbacks, remain dangerous, especially at home.
Their front line can cause problems, and if they score first, confidence could return quickly.
However, Lyon come into the match with momentum, depth, and a clear tactical identity under Jonatan Giráldez. They are unbeaten in seven, scoring for fun, and will see this game as a chance to send a strong message to the rest of Europe.
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Expect goals, tempo, and a physical midfield battle. Given the form books and recent performances, Lyon looks slightly better positioned to take all three points - though Arsenal should make them work for it.
Betting Prediction: Over 2.5 goals
Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.
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