Lyon vs. Go Ahead Eagles Preview: Prediction, Team News, and Expected Lineups

Preview: Lyon vs. Go Ahead Eagles – Prediction, Team News, Lineups

Lyon will host Go Ahead Eagles at Parc Olympique Lyonnais on Thursday in a crucial Europa League group stage match. Both teams aim to secure vital points as Lyon seeks to maintain its top position, while Go Ahead Eagles look to continue their impressive debut campaign in European competition.

Lyon shares 12 points with Midtjylland and Aston Villa after five group matches and faces strong competition from clubs ranked fourth to ninth. The French side has shown impressive form in the Europa League, winning 12 out of 15 possible points, despite recent struggles in Ligue 1 following a defeat at Lorient.

Team Form and Stakes

Lyon has been solid in Europe, with only one loss to Real Betis and a 6-0 demolition of Maccabi Tel Aviv in their last home game. Corentin Tolisso’s hat-trick in that match underlines his importance, contributing to 41.7% of Lyon’s goals this season. Meanwhile, Go Ahead Eagles have surprised many by claiming two away victories, including a landmark win at Panathinaikos and a 2-1 home victory over Aston Villa.

Despite their strong start, Go Ahead Eagles currently sit just outside the playoff positions with six points. A win against Lyon could elevate them significantly, potentially up to 15th place, depending on other results.

Injury Updates and Team News

Lyon will miss Ruben Kluivert, Tanner Tessmann, Malick Fofana, and Ernest Nuamah due to injuries. Go Ahead Eagles face absences as well, with Soren Tengstedt, Pim Saathof, Gerrit Nauber, and Robbin Weijenberg unavailable. Milan Smit, their top scorer in European matches, hopes to break his recent scoring drought against the French side.

Probable Lineups

1. Lyon: Greif; Mata, Niakhate, Tagliafico; Maitland-Niles, Morton, Carvalho, Vinicius; Sulc, Tolisso; Satriano
2. Go Ahead Eagles: De Busser; Deijl, Dirksen, Kramer, James; Meulensteen, Rahmouni; Margaret, Twigt, Suray; Smit

Lyon’s unbeaten streak at home in European matches this season suggests they are likely to secure a win. Go Ahead Eagles have impressed on their debut but face a tough challenge in France. This fixture could be decisive for group standings.