Strasbourg vs Lyon Prediction: Lyon to win and goals from both teams

On Sunday, August 13, Strasbourg will host Lyon in their 2023–24 Ligue 1 debut at the Stade de la Meinau. For both sides, this will be their first competitive game of the year. In its seven preseason friendly, Strasbourg only suffered one defeat. They triumphed 2-1 over Werder Bremen in their last game. 

While this was going on, Lyon participated in five preseason friendly, winning one and losing four in a row without scoring.

Both teams play attacking football, hence goals are expected from both teams but Lyon will win the opening game away from home. 

Strasbourg made dramatic changes from the top down at the football club after narrowly surviving relegation from Ligue 1 last season, finishing 15th and only five points above the drop zone. The changes were made in an effort to turn the club's fortunes around in 2023–24.

With the acquisition of Strasbourg by BlueCo, the former Crystal Palace manager Vieira was named head coach on a three-year contract. Strasbourg has splashed lavishly on youthful talent in the transfer market, signing eight new players for almost €55 million, including defender Abakar Sylla from Club Brugge for a club-record €20 million.

Last weekend's doubleheader versus German club Werder Bremen marked the end of Strasbourg's preseason training. The first game ended in a tie, while the second game ended in a triumph.

Now that his tenure has officially begun, Vieira is looking to lead Strasbourg to their first Ligue 1 opening-day victory in four years against a Lyon team they defeated away from home in January.

Lyon, who finished seventh in Ligue 1 last season, five points behind Lille in fifth, failed to qualify for the European Championship for the third time in four years.

After Peter Bosz's dismal spell ended in October, Laurent Blanc was brought in to steady the ship. However, Les Gones eventually missed out on a top-five finish and have since failed to get over the setback in the preseason.

In fact, after a victory in a friendly match against the Dutch minnows De Treffers, the team suffered four straight losses against Manchester United, RWDM, Celta Vigo, and Crystal Palace, including a 2-0 loss to the latter at Selhurst Park last weekend.

In his first full season as Lyon manager, Blanc is conscious of the strain he is under, and he will undoubtedly appreciate a victory on Sunday, especially in light of the difficult matches against Nice and the defending champions Paris Saint-Germain that lie ahead.

In their most recent matchup with the Racers, Lyon prevailed, winning 2-1 away from home in April. Lyon has only lost one of their previous nine encounters with Strasbourg.

Since 1945, the two sides have faced off 98 times, with Lyon holding a 50–27 advantage. Both clubs triumphed on the road in their matchup last year, with Lyon prevailing 2-1 at Strasbourg in April. In eight of Lyon's past nine road meetings against Strasbourg in all competitions, at least two goals have been scored.

Over 2.5 goals have been scored in five of their past six encounters. In their past 10 encounters, Strasbourg has only managed two victories over Lyon. It's interesting that both victories occurred away from home; their most recent triumph at home came in Ligue 1 in 2018. In their past 12 away games against Strasbourg, who had just one victory, Lyon has recorded nine victories. In their past eight encounters in Strasbourg, neither club has managed to keep a perfect record.

As this is the beginning of the season, it is always tricky to make predictions but goals from both teams is expected.

Strasbourg had a successful preseason, winning their past five friendlies without a loss while scoring 12 goals and allowing only eight.

Lyon, in contrast, had a difficult preseason. Despite this, they have a strong record at Strasbourg, who have only defeated Lyon at home once since 2001. With that in mind, a Lyon win is anticipated and a potential score of 1-2. 

• BTTS at 1.62 odds
• W2 at 2.711 odds
• Over 8.5 corners for 1.62 odds