Lyon v Manchester United - Live!

2 min: Toulalan lofts a long pass towards Benzema who sets off in chase to the delight of the home crowd. Not so much to their pleasure is the fact that Vidic gets to the ball first.

1 min: Ah lovely: as per a tradition that's more than a century old, the football match begins with a kick-off. Lyon's, if you must know.

7.41pm: It's a cracking atmosphere in the Gerland with the home faithful bouncing up and down and roaring lustily in anticipation of the teams' entrance. Speaking of roaring lustily, here's Dela Vale: "I am writing on my fancy new Blackberry from Toronto, Canada," she roars lustily. "That's in North American, by the way." Thanks Dela, and your point is? "It will be a romp for united. 3-0! Nani, Louis Saha and Ronaldo - a prophet has spoken." Yes, well the fact that two of your predicted scorers are starting on the bench suggests you're not a prophet who makes much profit. Ba-doom tish.

7.38pm: Meanwhile on the desk beside me, larks aplenty as Scott Murray tries to change the channel to receive the match he's supposed to be commentating but somehow falls off his chair in the process and maims his upper arm. Just you watch as he tries to fob the delay in coverage off on some "technical error" ...

7.35pm: "I predict 2-0 to Lyon, with Sir Alex complaining bitterly post-match that different sets of rules apply to predominantly French teams," belches Brett Henrikson. "As for the biggest match in Europe tonight. We are playing a team who have a knack of beating us in our own backyard, but I still think we can win," retorts Ewan Benson before adding with a predictable chortle. "So, 3-1 to Mother well."

Preamble:
A collection of crows is called a murder; of larks an exaltation; and of French league leaders but European underachievers Olympique Lyonnais. Yes, they're regulars in the Champions League knock-out stages but the fact is Lyon have never beaten a European giant over two legs. Until they do so they'll never be able to claim they're the best French club side of all time despite their unprecedented domestic dominance. Tonight, on the back of foul form, they will come at United with a jittery defence, brittle morale and disjointed play. United are clear favorites. On the upside, Lyon do have a quality midfield and, most excitingly, an exceptional front trio including 20-year-old sensation Karim Benzema. Alain Perrin says his primary concern is not to concede an 'away' goal - fielding both Anthony Réveillère and François Clerc on the right confirms that - but I foresee failure on that front.

Note from an early bird
"I am writing from Kenya in Africa," booms Bethwell Enaga. "I think United will win this 2-1 with goals from Ronaldo and Rooney and a consolation from Benzema." If only because I'm aggrieved that you felt the need to specify to me the whereabouts of Kenya, I refuse to agree with you, Beth well. I'm saying 3-2, with a hat-trick from the boy Benzema, who can do everything Wayne Rooney can do - and finish. Pity Hatem Ben Arfa's on the bench.

Teams:Lyon: 1-Gregory Coupet; 20-Anthony Reveillere, 32-Jean-Alain Boumsong, 29-Sebastien Squillaci, 11-Fabio Grosso; 2-Francois Clerc, 6-Kim Kallstrom, 28-Jeremy Toulalan, 8-Juninho; 14-Sidney Govou, 10-Karim Benzema.

Manchester United: 1-Edwin van der Sar; 6-Wes Brown, 5-Rio Ferdinand, 15-Nemanja Vidic, 3-Patrice Evra; 18-Paul Scholes, 4-Owen Hargreaves, 8-Anderson; 7-Cristiano Ronaldo, 10-Wayne Rooney, 11-Ryan Giggs.

Referee: Luis Medina Cantalejo (Spain)