Centre-back Dejan Lovren is set to miss out again through injury, with youngster Samuel Umtiti likely to replace him once more.
Cris, Kallstrom and Gomis are all one yellow card away from incurring a suspension from European competition.
Yoann Gourcuff stands a chance of starting ahead of one of the front two. If he does, Lyon will play with their usual 4-2-3-1 formation with Gourcuff in behind the surviving striker.
APOEL have little to worry about in their ranks, with defender Marcelo de Oliveira likely to be fit, though he may not be needed anyway with Morais available to fill in. Morais could remain in his usual defensive midfield position, with Jahic at centre back. The two are interchangeable.
Ailton scored 3 of their 6 goals in the group stages and will continue to lead the line.
Paulo Jorge, Oliveira, Trickovski, Pinto and Alexandrou are all one yellow card away from suspension.
Prediction
Lyon come into this game after an extremely disappointing 2-1 home loss to lowly Caen. Having lost only to Montpellier in their 8 previous games since the winter break, they will be keen to put the latest loss behind them quickly and bounce back with a win here. With Kim Kallstrom back in the side and the motivation that a Champions League night at home brings, they should put in a much-improved performance.
APOEL have been this season's Champions League surprise package. Having gone through 3 rounds of 2-legged qualifiers just to reach the group stages, they went on to top a tough group, despite only scoring 6 goals in their 6 group stage games. Much of that success was based on their impressive away record. They drew all 3 of their away games in Group G, conceding only 2 goals. and travelling to some tough grounds in the process.
Lyon's home form has, generally, been solid this season, and while a 5 game unbeaten run in the league has seen APOEL move up to 3rd in the Cypriot First Division, 1 point off top spot, Lyon should still possess enough to take a slender lead into the second leg. APOEL will once again prove difficult to break down, but this Lyon side has goals in it, and they should have enough to steal the win given their home advantage.
-
_ChrissyWaddle_
1 year ago
Report
-
Gonzo1
1 year ago
Report
-
AlanHandsome
1 year ago
Report
-
Ted
1 year ago
Report
-
footyfanatic
1 year ago
Report
-
Rick
1 year ago
Report
-
Yoshi_82
1 year ago
Report
-
Grimmy89
1 year ago
Report
-
Terry_71
1 year ago
Report
See all 9 commentsyour prediction seems correct
lisandro and gomis will break down nicosia. 2 0
Having the experience of Kallstrom back will be a boost for the home side
Lyon 2-1
Lyon wont be happy about coming into this game on the back of a defeat
I don;t think Gourcuff will start ahead of Lisandro or Gomis
apoel ate the kings of away draws, and that will suit them just fine!
Lyon will want at least a 2 goal advantage going to Cyprus
if Trickovski and Charalambides can comine up front then APOEL could come away with something here tonight