Stade Toulousain vs Lyon Prediction: A tough contest than on paper

France Top 14 action is set to unfold at Stade Ernest-Wallon, where Stade Toulousain will face Lyon. The hosts are entering this contest following a defeat, while the visitors secured a victory in their last outing.

Stade Toulousain will aim to avoid another defeat after experiencing a 29-8 loss on the road against Stade Rochelais in their recent match. This defeat marked their second loss in the last five matches and ended a three-match winning streak. In that span, they suffered another loss against Stade Francais Paris but secured victories over Cardiff Rugby, Harlequins, and RC Toulonnais. In the current season, Stade Toulousain has gathered 27 points from 11 matches, placing them just 2 points behind the closest playoff side, Castres Olympique.

Lyon, despite displaying inconsistent performances, managed to secure a narrow 20-18 victory over Montpellier in their recent home match. However, this win marked only their third victory in their last nine matches, with the remaining fixtures in that span resulting in defeats. Notable wins in this period were against the Bulls and Aviron Bayonnais. On the other hand, their defeats came at the hands of US Oyonnax, Stade Francais Paris, Racing 92, Castres Olympique, Bristol, and Bordeaux Begles. Due to their struggles, Lyon has accumulated just 20 points from 11 matches this season, placing them only three points ahead of relegation-placed USA Perpignan.

This matchup holds significant importance for both sides, with the hosts aiming for a playoff spot and the visitors working hard to avoid relegation. While it's challenging to confidently support either team, considering the betting options, backing the visitors with a +20 points handicap appears promising. Additionally, with expectations of a defensive approach, a bet on a low point total is also worth considering.