JONAS EIDEVALL believes it will be tricky to anticipate how Lyon will look when they play Arsenal in the Champions League at the Emirates tonight.
The Gunners’ boss, 39, who has his sights set on knockout stage qualification, insists he has massive respect for the side his players trounced in October.
Lyon, who are the tournament’s record-winning club with eight Champions League titles, have won eight of their last nine games since their 5-1 loss to Arsenal.
The French giants have been battling with injuries to key players with star striker Ada Hegerberg and midfield ace Sara Dabritz among the those out of action.
The team, who lost who lost 1-0 to PSG in France’s top-flight on Sunday, are also without the services of centre-backs Ellie Carpenter and Griedge Mbock.
In May Carpenter ruptured a knee ligament during Lyon’s Champions League final defeat of Barcelona.
However midfielder Amel Majri has reportedly returned to the French champs’ squad following a 15-month spell out due to an ACL injury and the birth of her daughter in July.
Eidevall said: “It’s difficult to predict how Lyon will look (compared to the game in October), that’s their business.
“I will work on how Arsenal will look but we see a Lyon team that has had a lot of strong performances.
“From a goal-scoring opportunities perspective, they were the better team against PSG even if they ended up losing.
“We know they are an excellent opponent that we need to have massive respect for.”
Arsenal, who face Swiss side Zurich next Wednesday, could enter the knockout rounds of this term’s contest if they avoid defeat by four goals or more tonight.
The Gunners are currently top of Group A having gone unbeaten after four game at this stage with three wins and one draw.
Eidevall added: “We know that we can achieve qualification and that’s huge for us.
“We’re going to do our very best to try and achieve that.
“Lyon have been setting the standards for all others to chase and they are the reigning European champions.
“We have the utmost respect for their history and their team.
This evening’s fixture will see former Gunner Danielle van de Donk go up against her old side at the Emirates.
The Netherlands star, 31, helped Arsenal to win their last WSL title back in 2019
The forward who, netting 11 goals in 19 league appearances during the 2018-19 season, is eager to see Lyon return to winning ways.
Van de Donk told reporters: “We want those three points. We’re very motivated.”
“I think it’s going to be a good match, with a great level, great intensity.”
