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Sparta Prague travel to Lyon on Tuesday on the verge of reaching the Champions League play-offs as they look to complete their third-round qualifying tie.
The visitors are in pole position to progress, but with 90 minutes still to play at Groupama Stadium, there is everything to play for.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Lyon vs. Sparta Prague key stats
- Sparta are without a clean sheet in their last six matches.
- Both teams have scored in four of the visitors' last five matches.
- Eight of Lyon's last 10 matches have produced three or more goals.
Lyon vs. Sparta Prague preview: Win or bust for Lyon
Lyon vs. Sparta Prague — Tale of the Tape
| Lyon | vs | Sparta Prague |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | Position | 10th (Czech First League) |
| N/A | Points | 3 |
| N/A | Goals For | 4 |
| N/A | Goals Against | 6 |
| N/A | Clean Sheets | 0 |
| N/A | Home / Away Rank | 15th |
Les Gones suffered a setback in the first leg, falling 2-1 at Letna Hill after Matej Rynes and John Mercado turned the match around in the second half, cancelling out Martin Suchomel's own goal.
Historically, the French side have struggled when losing first legs in Europe and have never overturned a first-leg deficit in their Champions League history. However, their strong home form gives them reason for optimism.
Lyon won three of their final four league games last season, though a heavy 4-0 defeat in the other proved costly in their bid to secure an automatic Champions League spot.
With Ligue 1 yet to kick off, manager Paulo Fonseca will hope having a full week of rest gives them an added advantage for Tuesday's clash, as Lyon would benefit from a return to Europe's premier club competition to help address ongoing financial difficulties.
Summer signing Lois Openda struggled to make an impact in Prague and could drop to the bench, potentially allowing Malick Fofana and Ernest Nuamah to start after lively cameos in the first leg.
Sparta Prague capitalised on Lyon's defensive lapses to score a quickfire double and take a 2-1 lead from last week's meeting, recording consecutive wins for the first time this season.
While Brian Priske's side lost their subsequent league outing, they have won six of their last nine competitive matches, though their away record remains a concern, with just three wins in their last nine on the road.
The Maroons have no fresh injury concerns for Tuesday's match, though Jakub Martinec, Patrik Vydra, Magnus Andersen and Peter Vindahl remain long-term absentees.
Facing an aggressive Lyon side backed by a passionate home crowd, Sparta will need a solid defensive display to keep the tie within their grasp.
Lyon vs. Sparta Prague form guide & betting tips
| Lyon | vs | Sparta Prague |
|---|---|---|
L |
Form | LWWL |
| 1 | Goals For | 6 |
| 2 | Goals Against | 7 |
L |
Champions League qualification | W |
Whispers predicts: Lyon 3-1 Sparta Prague
Lyon are unbeaten in Champions League home matches since 2016, and with so much at stake, they are backed to secure a home win at 12/25 (1.48).
As in the first leg, goals are expected, making over 2.5 goals at 13/20 (1.65) a worthwhile pick.
For those seeking bigger odds, a 3-1 correct score at 11/1 (12.00) could offer value. Lois Openda is set to make his home debut and is currently backed at 19/20 (1.95) to get on the scoresheet.
> Home to win at 12/25 (1.48) | Likelihood: Possible
> Over 2.5 goals at 13/20 (1.65) | Likelihood: Probable
> 3-1 correct score at 11/1 (12.00) | Likelihood: Outsider
> Lois Openda anytime goalscorer at 19/20 (1.95) | Likelihood: Probable