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

Tottenham Hotspur welcome French outfit Lyon to White Hart Lane on Thursday night for the first leg of their last-32 Europa League tie.

Spurs reached the knockout stages of the competition after finishing second in Group J behind Lazio but comfortably ahead of third-placed Panathinaikos and bottom side Maribor.

Lyon on the other hand were hugely impressive during the group stages taking 16 points from a possible 18 to completely dominate Group I ahead of second-placed Sparta Prague, making them one of the favourites to lift the trophy this season.

Andre Villas-Boas men head into the game in fine form having beaten West Brom and Newcastle United in recent games but will face a Lyon side struggling to make an impact in Ligue 1 this campaign with Reme Garde’s side losing 3-1 at home to Lille at the weekend.

Team News

Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas has confirmed that No.1 goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is set to miss the chance to face his former side with Brad Friedel due to start in goal.

Striker Jermain Defoe will also miss the match with an ankle problem meaning Emmanuel Adebayor is likely to start up front with Clint Dempsey in support. Gareth Bale will be the obvious danger-man and will look to continue his stunning recent form.

Midfielder Tom Huddlestone is out with a knee problem, Younes Kaboul is still short of fitness after only recently returning to light training and Sandro is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Lyon will be without playmaker Yoann Gourcuff who is struggling with a groin injury. Former Tottenham midfielder Steed Malbranque is in contention to face his old club and Bafetimbi Gomis is expected to come in to play alongside Lisandro Lopez up front.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

Despite Lyon’s excellent form in Europe, they’re struggling domestically and have won just three of their last eight league matches. Tottenham on the other hand are in good form and are always dangerous at home, and we can see that home advantage counting tonight but back Lyon to grab a vital away goal. Tottenham 2-1 Lyon

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