It’s time for the bigger names in European football to get involved in the Champions League qualifiers, with Lyon travelling to face Sparta Prague in the Czech capital on Tuesday.
Following a respectable run in the Conference League and reaching the Round of 16 last season, Sparta Prague are back in the Champions League qualifiers, but unfortunately have been drawn against the toughest possible opponent in this round – Lyon.
After a season that took the Kids’ fans through every emotional state possible, the Kids earned the chance to qualify for the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2019/20.
Lyon were among the busiest teams in July when it came to friendly matches, and much to the disappointment of their fans, we didn’t see the most spectacular performance.
Of course, pre-season matches are a far cry from competitive fixtures and the results are rarely a major factor, but Lyon did struggle against much weaker opponents, including Sparta’s city rivals, Slavia Prague, to whom they lost 2–0.
Sparta Prague played just four friendly matches before the start of the new season in the Czech Republic, and their opponents did not include any particularly impressive names.
Interestingly, they started the season with a heavy defeat to Brno, but at the weekend they bounced back with a win in the second round. What their early matches tell us, however, is that Iron Sparta have defensive problems and will have a tough time against Lyon.
How the bookies view it: Lyon to get an early advantage
Bookmakers share our view, giving a clear edge to Lyon, who are priced at 11/10 as favourites. However, an upset by Sparta Prague remains a possibility, with the home side priced at 2/1. And if you think there’s a chance of a draw, you can back it at 5/2.
Recent head-to-head: The Kids won five out of six H2Hs
These are two teams that have shared many European encounters in the past, and this will be the seventh time they have faced each other in a UEFA competition.
In six previous encounters, the Kids have yet to lose to Sparta Prague (W5, D1). The teams have met twice in the Champions League during the 2004/05 season, and four times in the Europa League during the 2012/13 and 2021/22 seasons.
Sparta Prague generally cannot boast of positive memories against French teams, having recorded just two wins in 16 matches (D3, L11) throughout their history.
Players to watch: Openda will try to revive his career
Lyon needed a quick replacement after Endrick's return to Real Madrid and signed Lois Openda on a season-long loan from Juventus. The 25-year-old Belgian had a bad season in Italy and will be looking to revive his career in France.
I can't confirm if he will start or even feature overall in this match, but if you see his name, he should be a solid pick. He has seven UCL goals in his career, and five of them came in away games.
Probable line-ups
Sparta Prague: Surovcik, Mercado, Sorensen, Sevinsky, Suchomel, Sochurek, Irving, Haraslin, Karbec, Alcocer, Brunes
Lyon: Greif, Ouedraogo, Kluivert, Mata, Maitland-Niles, Tessmann, Morton, Tolisso, Duranville, Openda, Boudache
Anything else catch the eye?
This is certainly not an easy match to predict, although on paper Lyon are the stronger side. At the moment, however, it seems their defence cannot be relied upon, and it is entirely possible that Sparta Prague could score at least one goal.
Still, I can’t help but expect Lyon to step up a gear and dominate the game. Qualifying for the Champions League is their top priority at the start of the new season, and I can’t pass up the chance to take advantage of the high odds in the first leg, as the return leg in France won’t offer such good betting opportunities.
Think both sides will find the net? Our BTTS Masterclass explains how to spot the fixtures where goals are a given.
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