Lyon vs Tottenham Preview, Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score

Tottenham are in France to take on Ligue 1 outfit Lyon on Thursday night looking to finish the job and secure their place in the last 16 of the Europa League.

The game has been overshadowed by yet more pre-match violence with Spurs fans attacked at local bars in Lyon on Wednesday night with three fans reported to have sustained injuries.

But the players have a job to do and must focus on the task at hand with the Londoners holding a 2-1 advantage following the first leg at White Hart Lane last week when Gareth Bale secured victory with a stunning last minute free-kick.

The Welshman has carried Tottenham in recent weeks and will look to continue his superb record goal-scoring form that’s seen him score all six of his sides goals during their last four games.

Andre Villas-Boas men enjoyed a weekend off after being knocked out of the FA Cup by Leeds in an earlier round so should be fresh at the Stade Gerland tonight.

Team News

Goalkeeper Brad Friedel will once again come in for Hugo Lloris meaning the Frenchman will again miss the chance to face his former side.

Striker Jermain Defoe will miss the game with an ankle problem and hasn’t travelled to France with the rest of the squad meaning Emmanuel Adebayor will continue up front with Clint Dempsey in support. Andre Villas-Boas has no fresh injury worries so Sandro, Younes Kaboul and Tom Huddlestone remain the clubs only absentees.

Lyon manager Reme Garde is able to call upon former Spurs midfielder Steed Malbranque after he recovered from flu but he may have to make do with a place among the subs.

Yoann Gourcuff is once again missing with a groin problem so Lisandro Lopez is likely to start in attack alongside Bafetimbi Gomis.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

Tottenham have been in excellent form of late and with Welsh-wonder Gareth Bale in the side they will always be a threat. The weekend off should ensure the players are fresh and we can see the Premier League side getting a draw tonight to ensure their safe passage through to the last 16. Lyon 1-1 Tottenham

What would be your starting eleven and what’s your score prediction? Get involved in the comments section below.