Crystal Palace head to France on Thursday evening for a Europa League clash with Lyon. However, this isn’t just another European away day.
Eagles boss Pierre Sage is returning to the club where he made his name.
The Frenchman managed Lyon between November 2023 and January 2025. Now, he’ll be hoping to get one over on his former employers.
Palace arrive in decent form after beating Nottingham Forest 3-1 at the weekend. That victory followed an impressive 4-0 win against Lech Poznan in their Europa League opener.
As a result, the Eagles have already shown they can compete on the European stage.
However, Lyon present a considerably tougher challenge.
Paulo Fonseca’s side began their European campaign with a 2-1 victory over Anderlecht. They’ve also enjoyed a strong start to Ligue 1.
Nevertheless, Lyon suffered their first domestic defeat of the season against Lens on Friday.
That 2-1 loss ended their unbeaten league run and exposed a few defensive weaknesses.
Meanwhile, injuries have left the French side short of options in several positions.
With both clubs chasing a second European victory, Thursday’s meeting should be an entertaining contest.
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What are the best betting tips for Lyon vs Crystal Palace?
Both teams to score
Both clubs have impressively started their Europa League campaigns.
Lyon scored twice against Anderlecht in their opening fixture. However, they also conceded during the second half.
Meanwhile, Palace put four goals past Lech Poznan at Selhurst Park.
The Eagles followed that performance with another three goals against Nottingham Forest.
As a result, their attacking players should arrive in confident mood.
Yeremy Pino and Daichi Kamada offer creativity behind the striker. Meanwhile, Jorgen Strand Larsen provides a physical presence in the penalty area.
However, Lyon have attacking quality of their own.
Ernest Nuamah and Pavel Sulc could cause problems for Palace, particularly when the hosts attack quickly.
Furthermore, Lyon have conceded in seven of their last eight European matches.
Neither defence looks guaranteed to keep a clean sheet. Therefore, both teams to score is my opening selection.
Lyon to win
Crystal Palace have produced some encouraging performances recently. However, their away record remains a concern.
The Eagles have won just once in their last eight away matches across all competitions.
Meanwhile, Lyon have enjoyed a strong start to the domestic season.
Fonseca’s side sit near the top of Ligue 1 and have already recorded convincing home victories against Rennes and Auxerre.
Their latest home league match ended in a comfortable 4-0 win over Rennes.
Although Friday’s defeat to Lens was disappointing, Lyon should benefit from returning to familiar surroundings.
Palace will also face a demanding atmosphere at the Groupama Stadium.
Furthermore, the French side have enough midfield quality to control long spells of possession.
Corentin Tolisso and Tyler Morton should play important roles in that department.
This won’t be straightforward, particularly with Lyon missing several players.
Nevertheless, I’m backing the hosts to make their home advantage count.
Jorgen Strand Larsen to score anytime
Jorgen Strand Larsen could be one of Palace’s biggest attacking threats on Thursday evening.
The Norwegian provides a physical presence in the middle and can trouble defenders in the penalty area.
His movement also gives Palace an option when attacking from wide positions.
That could prove important against Lyon.
The French side are missing several defensive players, including Moussa Niakhate and Mohamed Ouedraogo.
As a result, Fonseca may need to rely on a reshuffled back line.
Strand Larsen should have opportunities to test that defence.
Meanwhile, Pino and Kamada can provide chances from attacking midfield.
Palace have scored seven goals across their last two competitive matches.
Although Lyon are favourites, the visitors should still create opportunities.
With Palace expected to threaten in attack, I’m backing Strand Larsen to find the net.
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Where can I watch Lyon vs Crystal Palace?
Lyon vs Crystal Palace kicks off at 5:45 pm BST on Thursday, October 15, at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon, France.
In the UK, supporters can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with streaming available through HBO Max.
Meanwhile, viewers in the United States can watch through Paramount+, with kick-off scheduled for 12:45 pm ET.
Canadian supporters can check DAZN for coverage, with the match also starting at 12:45 pm ET.
What is Lyon’s predicted team?
Formation (4-2-3-1): Descamps; Athekame, Bacher, Kluivert, Abner; Bidstrup, Morton; Nuamah, Sulc, Tolisso; Nakamura.
Injured: Lois Openda, Moussa Niakhate, Mohamed Ouedraogo.
Doubts: None confirmed.
Suspended: None confirmed.
Lyon have several injury concerns ahead of Thursday’s match.
Openda is expected to miss several weeks after suffering a leg injury against Lens.
Meanwhile, Niakhate remains sidelined with a hamstring problem. Ouedraogo is also unavailable because of a serious knee injury.
As a result, Fonseca may need to make changes in defence and attack.
Pavel Sulc could operate in a more advanced position, with Keito Nakamura offering another attacking option.
Meanwhile, Ernest Nuamah should provide pace from the right.
Tyler Morton and Mads Bidstrup could form the midfield partnership, with Tolisso operating further forward.
What is Crystal Palace’s predicted team?
Formation (3-4-2-1): Benitez; Richards, Disasi, Ahanor; Khalaili, Timber, Wharton, Mitchell; Kamada, Pino; Strand Larsen.
Injured: Chadi Riad.
Doubts: Dean Henderson, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Suspended: None confirmed for this fixture.
Palace also have several fitness concerns.
Riad remains sidelined with a long-term knee injury. Meanwhile, Henderson, Tomiyasu and Mateta face late assessments.
Henderson’s fitness could determine who starts in goal.
If the England international remains unavailable, Walter Benitez is expected to deputise.
Meanwhile, Strand Larsen should lead the attack if Mateta isn’t ready to start.
Kamada and Pino could provide support behind the Norwegian.
In midfield, Adam Wharton and Quinten Timber should offer a combination of creativity and energy.
Sage also has Ismaila Sarr available after his recovery from a groin problem.
Lyon vs Crystal Palace prediction
Lyon have enjoyed a strong start to the season. However, Palace arrive with enough confidence to make this an interesting contest.
The Eagles have scored seven goals across their last two competitive matches.
Meanwhile, Lyon have been impressive at home, despite their recent defeat against Lens.
Sage’s return adds another intriguing element to the fixture.
However, Palace’s away form remains a concern.
Lyon should enjoy periods of possession and create opportunities through their attacking midfielders.
Nevertheless, the visitors have enough quality to find the net.
I expect a competitive match, with both sides creating chances.
Ultimately, Lyon’s home advantage could make the difference.
Score prediction: Lyon 2-1 Crystal Palace
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