2018 French Top 14 – Clermont Auvergne vs Lyon Preview

AT A GLANCE

When is Clermont Auvergne vs Lyon taking place? Sunday 25^th November, 15:50

Where is Clermont Auvergne vs Lyon taking place? Stade Marcel-Michelin

What is the playing surface? Grass

What is the expected weather at Clermont Auvergne vs Lyon? Cloudy, 6°

What channel is Clermont Auvergne vs Lyon on? Sky Sports Arena

Where can I stream Clermont Auvergne vs Lyon? Sky Go

Where can I get tickets for Clermont Auvergne vs Lyon? https://billetterie.asm-rugby.com/fr/meeting/1483/lyon/stade-marcel-michelin/25-11-2018/16h50

LAST MEETING
Lyon 36-10 Clermont Auvergne

THE LOWDOWN

CLERMONT AUVERGNE

Head Coach: Franck Azéma

• Before the break, Clermont Auvergne were the hot team in the Top 14. They had won six of their opening nine games, losing twice and drawing once against Grenoble 27-27.
• The Yellow Army have by far the best points differential in the Top 14. They have a difference of 140 between their points scored and points conceded and the next closest is Toulouse with 36.
• In the absence of their international players, many of Clermont’s fringe players will get an opportunity including Alivereti Raka who scored a wonder try last time out against Grenoble.

LYON

Head Coach: Matthieu Lazerges

• Despite being one of the oldest rugby clubs in France, Lyon have failed to keep hold of top-flight status over recent years, instead becoming one of France’s ‘yo-yo’ clubs.
• However, they’ve made a good start to their 2018-19 campaign as they currently lie fourth in the Top 14 table and are coming off the back of a thumping 41-6 victory over Stade Francais.
• Jonathan Wisniewski is their leading scorer in the league so far and will be needed if they are to get an unlikely victory on Sunday.

THE PREDICTION

What a way to welcome back the Top 14 after the international break, as top-of-the-table Clermont Auvergne face fourth-placed Lyon. Clermont are unbeaten at home - they’ve won four out of four at the Stade Marcel-Michelin - so look for that to continue on Sunday against a tough Lyon side.