Two camps who will get their respective Champions League qualifying adventures underway on Tuesday night, Sparta Prague will host Lyon for their first-leg showdown.

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Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: BetUS

Sparta Prague

Starting with the hosts, while Sparta Prague might have signed off the 2025/26 campaign in the midst of what was an extended flurry, the Czech heavyweights failed to recapture their domestic crown and were eventually forced to settle for another silver medal finish. However, despite getting proceedings underway on July 25th with a nightmare 3-1 loss at the hands of domestic foes Brno, Brian Priske’s men claimed an immediate response last time out. Clinching their own 3-1 victory at home against Zlin, the former Feyenoord boss is desperately searching for some stability going forward. Knowing that they face a stern examination over the next week, Sparta Prague will have plenty of pressure on their shoulders in the race to claim a first-leg advantage on Tuesday night.

Sparta Prague Team News

Opening his account on his competitive debut for Sparta Prague last week after finding the net against Zlin, big-money summer recruit Jonathan Braut Brunes will lead the line on Tuesday night. Likewise, fellow new recruit and Norwegian youngster Tobias Guddal could start at the back.

However, all still dealing with respective injury issues, Sparta will once again be unable to call upon the likes of Patrik Vydra, Peter Vindahl, Emmanuel Uchenna and former Ajax midfielder Sivert Mannsverk in midweek.

Lyon

As for the visitors, while Lyon might have been dealing with a string of high-profile issues behind the scenes, Paulo Fonseca’s camp did drag themselves to a lucrative Champions League return. Officially set to get their qualifying adventure underway on Tuesday night, Les Gones will be looking to make an early statement on foreign soil. However, signing off the 2025/26 campaign with a woeful 4-0 drumming at home against Lens on May 17th, the former Roma boss will know the importance of finding some essential defensive grit. Despite signing off April with a rollercoaster 3-2 victory against Auxerre, Lyon shipped 10 goals in their final four Ligue 1 showdowns and they could only muster consecutive clean sheets on a single occasion since back in February.

Lyon Team News

Completing an initial loan switch from Italian icons Juventus last week, Belgium international Lois Openda should make his competitive Lyon debut on Tuesday night and could spearhead Fonseca’s charge in the final third.

Recovering from a groin issue over the summer interval, former Liverpool youngster Tyler Morton will start in the middle of the park. Likewise, enjoying what was a dominant campaign last season and playing a leading role in Lyon’s top-four charge, ex-Bayern Munich ace Corentin Tolisso will lead Les Gones out here.

Sparta Prague vs Lyon Key Factors to Consider

• When Sparta Prague and Lyon last met for a competitive showdown back in November 2021, Les Gones cruised their way to a thumping 3-0 Europa League victory in France.
• In fact, Lyon are unbeaten in all of their six meetings against Tuesday’s hosts across all competitions (five wins, one draw).
• Lyon shipped 10 goals in just their final four Ligue 1 appearances last season.
• Sparta Prague’s opening two domestic showdowns this season have produced eight goals at both ends of the pitch.
• Tuesday’s hosts have suffered just a sole defeat in front of their own supporters so far this calendar year.

Conclusion

Storming their way to a routine 3-0 victory when they last met Sparta Prague for a competitive showdown back in November 2021, Lyon will be dreaming of a repeat performance here. However, despite holding a dominant historic record against Tuesday’s opponents, Fonseca’s side should be bracing themselves for a potentially rugged challenge in midweek. Two defences who have shown their own cause for concern, both Sparta Prague and Lyon will know the importance of dragging themselves to a first-leg advantage.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: BetUS