Axel Disasi

Both sides made winning starts to their Europa League campaigns, as Lyon beat Anderlecht 2-1 in Belgium, while Crystal Palace dismantled Lech Poznan 4-0 at Selhurst Park. Over 2.5 goals has landed in six out of eight matches for Palace this season, and their recent encounter against Nottingham Forest was particularly open. 

Lyon have also been an entertaining side to watch, especially when playing on home turf. Over 2.5 goals has landed in four out of their five matches, with BTTS in three of those. They came away with a 4-0 win over Rennes in their last outing at the Groupama Stadium, and a 3-1 victory over Auxerre before that.

Lyon are averaging 5.80 corners in their home games this season, clearing this line in four out of five overall. Paulo Fonseca sets his teams up to dominate possession, and they have been adept at generating chances in the final third. In fact, Lyon are averaging 17.4 shots per game, with 7.6 on target. 

Meanwhile, Palace just conceded 24 shots and eight big chances against Nottingham Forest. They were lucky to only concede once in the end, as the visitors managed 2.97 xG. Palace gave up eight corners in that match. The Eagles have allowed their opponents an average of 5.38 corners per game this campaign.

Ernest Nuamah is another player who has been adept at drawing contact, averaging 2.23 fouls drawn per 90. The Ghana international is always happy to receive the ball on the right wing, looking to drive at his marker. He often cuts inside onto his stronger left foot, which opens up shooting angles around the edge of the box. 

Nuamah bagged himself a brace against Rennes just before the break, which was his fourth goal of the season. He is averaging 2.97 shots per 90 across all competitions this campaign, and he has accrued ten shots in his last two home matches alone.

After Lois Openda suffered a fibula break against Lens last time out, Pavel Sulc looks set to be deployed further forward for Lyon. The Czechia international should deputise up front against Palace on Thursday night.

Sulc led the line for large parts of last season, when he had an average of 2.53 shots per 90. He showed impressive efficiency in front of goal, as 41% of his efforts hit the target, and he bagged 11 goals in the league. 

Sulc has recorded five shots from his four Ligue 1 starts this season, with three of those hitting the target. He also tested the goalkeeper against Lens last time out, despite Lyon suffering a 2-1 defeat.

Jefferson Lerma filled in at centre back at the weekend, and he looked really uncomfortable at times defensively. Chadi Riad remains out through injury, and Axel Disasi is serving a suspension.

However, the Frenchman is available to feature in Europe, and he should re-claim his starting spot on Thursday night. Disasi has committed a foul in three of his five appearances for Palace, including a straight red card against Ipswich after just 34 minutes. 

He will now have the tough task of trying to contain the Lyon attackers here. Corentin Tolisso usually plays in an advanced midfield role, and he is averaging 2.06 fouls drawn per 90.