Bodmer backs Lyon to match United

Mathieu Bodmer will have felt some déjà vu when Olympique Lyonnais drew Manchester United FC in the UEFA Champions League first knockout round. One year ago he was in the LOSC Lille Métropole squad eliminated at the same stage by United and, following his summer transfer, he will be hoping to avoid a repeat of the two 1-0 losses suffered last season.

Lyon chance
Maybe that was on the mind of Lyon coach Alain Perrin when he said United were the worst possible draw for the Ligue 1 leaders. But Bodmer, valued at €6.5m when he moved to the Stade de Gerland along with Kader Keita, is more confident. "For me, the worst possible would have been Inter Milan, who this season seem very strong," Bodmer told uefa.com. "But it's true that, in England, United, like Arsenal [FC], are above the others. However, because I have played United with my former team, Lille, I'm sure Lyon have a chance of going through."

Strength
Bodmer, 25, missed Lille's second-leg trip to Old Trafford last term but the former SM Caen man had played there in the previous campaign's group stage, earning a 0-0 draw before winning 1-0 at the Stade de France – only to be pipped to the last 16 by Villarreal CF and SL Benfica. It is the United strike force that most concerns the defensive midfielder, although this may also be the Red Devils' weakness. Bodner, picking United's key men, said: "Cristiano Ronaldo obviously, the Rooney-Tévez duo works very well, Ryan Giggs as well for his pinpoint crosses and finishing. They have lots of attacking assets but hate to defend. Our aim will be to force them to defend. It will be the key to the game."

Away form
Like Lille last season, Lyon have to travel for the second leg on 4 March, having finished behind FC Barcelona in the group stage – only qualifying after a superb recovery following opening 3-0 defeats at the Camp Nou and at home to Rangers FC. The manner of Lyon's comeback gives Bodmer hope for the Old Trafford trip. "OL can put on great performances away from home," he said. "Our successes at VfB Stuttgart and Rangers showed our capability on the road. At home, we often face defensive teams. It's completely different when we go away."

This is an edited version of an article from the uefa.com Magazine. To read it in full, click here.