Lyon lost 2-1 in the Czech Republic last week, their first competitive game of the season. Sparta Prague have the weapons to score in France which means BTTS is on the cards once again.
HTH
Lyon went undefeated in their opening six matches against Sparta Prague, winning five times alongside one draw. Sparta snapped the trend at home last week.
Setback for French Side
Lyon finished fourth in Ligue 1 last season, Corentin Tolisso and Pavel Sulc top scoring with 11 goals each.
Paulo Fonseca’s side won their opening three preseason friendlies, scoring 13 goals in the process. They lost their final friendly, a 4-0 defeat against Real Betis.
The French side took the lead at Sparta Prague last week thanks to an own goal. Corentin Tolisso missed a penalty after the hosts equalised, they fell 2-1 behind and couldn’t find a way back despite dominating the final 15 minutes.
Sparta Struggling to Keep Clean Sheets
Sparta Prague started the new First League campaign with a 3-1 defeat at Brno, unable to capitalise on 65% possession.
Brian Priske’s side beat Zlin 3-1 with Jonatan Braut Brunes and Adam Karabec scoring in the second half.
Matej Rynes was man of the match as the Czech side came back to beat Lyon 2-1 in the Champions League qualifiers last week. He equalised before assisting John Mercado, both goals coming in six second half minutes.
Sparta returned to league action with a 2-0 defeat at Mlada Boleslav. They had 67% possession and 34-11 touches in opposition box, striker Jonatan Braut Brunes taking four shots.
Predicted Lineups & Team News
Lyon (3-4-3) Dominik Greif; Ruben Kluivert, Tanner Tessmann, Moussa Niakhaté; Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Tyler Morton, Corentin Tolisso, Abner Vinícius; Ernest Nuamah, Lois Openda, Malick Fofana
Mads Bidstrup is out with a knee injury. Fonseca could make some changes here with Corentin Tolisso moving into midfield which would free up space for Malick Fofana to start on the left wing.
New signings Felix Bacher, Noham Kamara, Julien Duranville and Kail Boudache wait for their chance.
Sparta Prague (4-2-3-1) Jakub Surovcík; Martin Suchomel, Adam Sevínsky, Asger Sorensen, Matej Rynes; Andy Irving, Roman Macek; John Mercado, Adam Karabec, Josimar Alcócer; Jonatan Braut Brunes
Centre-backs Tobias Guddal, Emmanuel Uchenna and Jakub Martinec are all out alongside midfielders Patrik Vydra and Sivert Mannsverk.