Lyon vs Sparta Prague: Paulo Fonseca’s side aim to overturn first-leg deficit

Lyon must overturn a 2-1 defeat by Sparta Prague at the Groupama Stadium to reach the Champions League play-off round, with Paulo Fonseca expected to rely on a largely familiar squad for the second leg.

The French side return to home soil seven days after losing in Prague, where the final margin could have been greater. Despite that setback, Lyon remain within reach of a comeback and know victory by at least two goals would secure their progress.

Fonseca’s players will need to produce a significantly improved performance if they are to turn the tie around. Their preparations have been based on almost the same group that represented the club last season, leaving the manager with a settled but demanding task as Lyon attempt to recover from the first-leg result.

Lyon’s probable starting XI is:

Goalkeeper: Greif

Defenders: Maitland-Niles, Kluivert, Moussa Niakhate, Abner

Midfielders: Morton, Tessmann, Tolisso

Forwards: Ernest Nuamah, Openda, Malick Fofana

Sparta Prague arrive in Lyon with greater competitive rhythm than their opponents. Brian Priske’s team had already played three league matches before the first meeting between the clubs, in addition to the opening leg, giving them a sharper match routine ahead of the return fixture.

However, Sparta’s preparations were not perfect. They suffered a 2-0 defeat by Mlada Boleslav on Saturday, a result that followed their victory over Lyon in the opening match of the tie. Priske is nevertheless expected to select his strongest available line-up as Sparta look to complete the job and secure qualification.

Sparta Prague’s probable starting XI is:

Goalkeeper: Surovcik

Defenders: Suchomel, Sevinsky, Sorensen, Rynes

Midfielders: Irving, Macek, Mercado, Karabec

Forwards: Alcocer, Braut Brunes

The return match will decide which side advances to the Champions League play-off round. Lyon’s home advantage gives them an opportunity to respond to the Prague defeat, but Sparta hold the advantage after scoring twice in the first leg and will travel to the Groupama Stadium seeking to protect that lead.

Ahead of the fixture, betting company 1xbet lists Lyon as the favourites. Lyon are priced at 1.54 to win, while a draw is valued at 4.65 and a Sparta Prague victory at 6.26. These odds reflect the expectation that the home side can improve on its first-leg display, although Sparta’s 2-1 advantage means Lyon must still find a way through a tie in which the Czech club remain in the stronger position.