Lyon vs Bulls Predictions - Lyon backed to cover against weakened Bulls outfit

Marc Thomas

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Last updated: 15 Dec 2023

Marc Thomas 15 Dec 2023

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Lyon vs Bulls predictions for Saturday’s European Champions Cup match (19:30 SAST)
Bulls have sent a weakened squad to France
Can the hosts get a crucial win?

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Lyon can beat the Bulls at home (Getty Images)

Lyon vs Bulls Preview

Lyon’s form has been poor while the Bulls have been superb this season. However, Lyon are favourites with the handicap set at eight points. The reason for that is that the Bulls have sent over a weakened side so I’m backing the hosts to win by more than eight.

Lyon vs Bulls Predictions
Head to Head
Lyon Form
Lyon Injuries & Team News
Bulls Form
Bulls Injuries & Team News

Lyon have lost 7 of their last 10 matches.
Bulls have won 6 of their last 8 matches.
Bulls will rest some key players for this match.
Bulls have lost 2 of their last 4 away matches.

Head to Head

Lyon and the Bulls have never met before.

Lyon Form

Lyon have struggled for form this season in the Top 14. They have lost six of their nine games and currently find themselves 12th on the table.

It has been quite to the contrary of last season when Lyon were playing some excellent rugby. They will need to find some of that form if they are to progress in the Champions Cup this season.

Last week Lyon lost 36-34 in a cracking game against Bristol. It was a fixture that could easily have gone in the favour of the French outfit, but errors cost them dearly in the second half.

Lyon Injuries & Team News

With this being a home game, I expect Lyon to field a very strong side in an attempt to get their season back on track.

Bulls Form

The Bulls have been superb this season with five wins in the URC from their seven matches. Both those defeats came away from home, but their home form is still as good as ever.

Last week the Bulls showed just how good they can be, beating Saracens 27-16 at Loftus in their opening Champions Cup game. The first half was dominant from the hosts and although Saracens fought back in the second 40, they never really threatened to win the game.

Bulls Injuries & Team News

Jake White knows it is a long season and he has to rest players throughout. This week is one of those where he will almost certainly rest some key players, something we may see plenty of this season in away games.