Lyon vs Sharks Predictions - Lyon backed for victory against the Sharks at home in Challenge Cup Pool 2 opener
Lyon are favoured to defeat the Sharks in their upcoming match at Matmut Stadium de Gerland, largely due to their strong home form, dominance at set-piece, and a convincing previous win against the Sharks. Lyon's forward pack and key players, such as Couilloud and Berdeu, are anticipated to make an impact. The Sharks face challenges with a reshuffled squad and the absence of key Springboks. The article concludes with a recommendation to back Lyon to cover the 9.5-point handicap at home.
- Lyon are favourites due to home advantage and dominant set-piece play.
- The Sharks arrive with a reshuffled squad, missing several senior Springboks.
- Recommendation: Back Lyon to cover the 9.5 handicap at home.
Lyon backed for victory against the Sharks at home in Challenge Cup Pool 2 opener
(Getty Images)
Lyon vs Sharks Predictions
Lyon is favourites, due to home advantage at the Matmut Stadium de Gerland. The strength of Lyon's forward pack at the set-piece, and having dominated territory in their previous encounter against the Sharks, presents a massive challenge for a reshuffled Sharks matchday squad coming off an away loss to the Stormers (39-22). My best bet is Lyon to cover the 9.5 handicap at home.
- Lyon come into this match on the back of a 28-16 loss at home to La Rochelle.
- Lyon have won 3 of their last 5 home matches in all competitions.
- Lyon have won the only meeting with the Sharks.
- Sharks have lost 4 of their last 5 away matches.
- Sharks enter this match after losing 39-22 away at the Stormers.
Head to Head
Lyon defeated the Sharks 34-21 in their previous meeting in the 2024/25 Challenge Cup Round of 16 at Matmut Stadium de Gerland.
Lyon Form
Lyon experienced a tough 2025/26 EPCR Challenge Cup group stage campaign, losing their four matches and failing to advance to the knockout rounds.
Lyon lost 28-16 to La Rochelle in their previous home match, primarily due to a slow start, disciplined execution by the visitors, and an inability to close the gap after conceding early scores.
Lyon have had a decent run of form at home, winning three of their last five home matches in all competitions. Their previous home results include a win against Bayonne (42-35), a loss against Montpellier (28-25), followed by wins against Clermont (40-36), and Pau (51-25), and a loss against La Rochelle (28-16).
Lyon Injuries & Team News
Head coach Karim Ghezal relies heavily on his half-back pairing of scrum-half Baptiste Couilloud and fly-half Léo Berdeu, with both looking to regain full fitness and build continuity after injury-disrupted spells last season.
Wing Jiuta Wainiqolo remains a primary try-scoring catalyst out wide, after leading their attacking output.
Sharks Form
The Sharks finished with two wins and two losses in the pool stage of the 2025/26 Champions Cup before exiting the tournament.
The Sharks were overpowered by the Stormers in their previous away match, with the Stormers racing to a 22-8 lead at the break. The Sharks faced a steep uphill battle after losing Springboks Eben Etzebeth and Vusi Moyo early to injuries, compounded by two first-half yellow cards, and ultimately lose the match 39-22.
Sharks have struggled on the road, losing four of their last five away matches in all competitions. Their previous away results include losses against the Bulls (41-12), Ospreys (21-17), Edinburgh (33-28), a win against Zebre (54-19), and a loss against the Stormers (39-22).
Sharks Injuries & Team News
Verdict
Lyon is favourites, due to home advantage, the strength of Lyon's forward pack at the set-piece and having dominated territory in their previous encounter against the Sharks.
Lyon - 9.5
Handicap
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Since a young age, he played football, cricket, golf, tennis and squash, and is an avid Arsenal supporter.
His initial foray into the business world was in the financial industry, completing various diploma’s including financial and investment management and credit management, and held various positions in banking.
He subsequently worked on the Leadership media publication and the Global Africa Network Media Trade and Investment platforms, before switching to sport.
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