Lyon’s squad includes France forward Kadidiatou Diani and Haitian midfielder Melchie Dumornay, who have shared nine goals and six assists in the Champions League this season, and 2018 Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg.
Despite their opponents’ form and personnel, Beattie has backed Arsenal to reach the final.
“I think Lyon are there for the taking,” Beattie said. “I have watched them a lot over the Champions League. I don’t think they’re the Lyon we’ve seen in previous seasons that dominate the European game.
“I’m thinking Arsenal can take this one and to see them in the Champions League final will hopefully be absolutely epic. A home start will be so important [and] a good result. The Emirates will be massive.”
Asante said “whoever controls the midfield” will come out on top.
Having watched Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Leicester City on Tuesday, she believes they have the fluidity in attack to exploit Lyon’s weaknesses.
“Lyon do play quite often with attacking full-backs, very similar to Arsenal, but they’re really scary in transition,” Asante said.
“Even though Lyon dismantled Bayern Munich, they showed weaknesses and if Arsenal can exploit them and catch them in moments when they lack concentration, they can absolutely hurt them.
“If [Arsenal] perform how they did against Leicester, they definitely have a chance to dismantle Lyon because they were fluid in their moments, they found those connections, and they were clinical in attack when they created those goalscoring opportunities.
“The challenge for them is stopping Lyon’s threats because Dumornay, Diani, [Tabitha] Chawinga, Hederberg – these are frightening attacking players.”
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