Lyon vs Newcastle Predictions - Lyon to condemn Newcastle to another away defeat

Brad Newcomb

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Last updated: 4 minutes ago

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Brad Newcomb 4 minutes ago

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Lyon reached last season's EPCR Challenge Cup final.
Newcastle has lost 8 of their last 9 matches.
Lyon are predicted to cover the handicap.

Lyon have enjoyed regular success at home this season (Getty Images)

Lyon reached the EPCR Challenge Cup final in their previous campaign and have had success this season. Newcastle have often lost their matches in recent outings.

Lyon have lost 4 of their last 5 fixtures.
Lyon have won 4 of their last 5 home games.
Newcastle have lost 8 of their last 9 fixtures.
Newcastle have lost 9 of their last 10 away games.

Head to Head

Lyon and Newcastle have each recorded two victories in four meetings.

Lyon Form

Lyon had an excellent campaign in the EPCR Challenge Cup last season, reaching the final, but lost 37-12 to Bath.

Lyon are in 12th place in the Top 14 table with 23 points from 11 games.

Lyon defeated Racing 92 32-7, Stade Francais 42-37, Perpignan 44-19, and lost 36-19 to La Rochelle. before beating Clermont 43-24 in their last five home matches.

Lyon will fancy their chances of starting their European Challenge Cup campaign with a victory against a Newcastle side that has often lost away from home lately.

Newcastle Form

Newcastle finished last in Pool 2 of last season's EPCR Challenge Cup, losing all of their matches.

Newcastle Red Bulls occupy last place in the Premiership table with no points after six rounds.

Newcastle lost 38-15 to Exeter, 57-5 to Sale Sharks, 52-14 to Harlequins, and defeated Northampton Saints 31-14 before losing 43-0 to Saracens in their last five away matches in all competitions.

Newcastle find themselves in familiar territory, struggling to win their matches, and will have to play well to beat Lyon at home, as their opponents have won four of their last five home games.

Team News

Lyon

Leo Berdeu has scored 77 points for his club in the Top 14 this season, while Jiuta Wainiqolo has crossed the try line seven times so far.

Newcastle

Head coach Alan Dickens has stated that he wants Newcastle to enjoy the opportunity of playing in Europe: “I think European rugby is brilliant,” he said. “It’s a different experience for the players. We’re a group who want to learn and grow together.”