AC Sparta Praha

vs

Olympique Lyonnais

Preview

AC Sparta Praha

• AC Sparta Praha are a team in transition.
• Recent form:
  • W2
  • D1
  • L2
• They head into this match having lost their last two games: 5-1 away to FC Nordsjaelland and 3-1 at Zbrojovka Brno.
• Their defence looks very weak and should be exposed by Lyon's quick, sharp attack.
• John Mercado is Sparta's major threat with three goals in his last five games.

Olympique Lyonnais

• Olympique Lyonnais look further ahead in their cycle and should have the edge in a tight qualifier.
• Recent form:
  • W4
  • D0
  • L1
• Lyon arrive on the back of a four-game winning streak, including wins over St Gallen, Servette and Wolfsburg.
• Their rotation, pressing and ability to switch tempo should suit them on the night.

Key Players

• John Mercado - Sparta's main attacking threat with three goals in his last five.
• Remi Himbert - Lyon's red-hot forward, having scored six of Lyon's 13 goals in the last five matches.

Betting Insights

• Olympique are the correct choice to win at around 1.95 because they are a settled side in a settled system while Sparta remain a work in progress.
• The hosts are undefeated at home in all competitions after three wins and a draw from four games, averaging 1.75 goals scored and 0.50 conceded.
• Lyon's away record in all competitions is two wins and one defeat from three matches, with them scoring an average of 1.67 goals per game.

Prediction

• The most likely result looks to be a narrow Lyon win.
• Expect goals - take Over 2.5 and Both Teams To Score - Yes (around a shade under even odds).