OL could start Loïs Openda, reinforced defence, at Sparta Prague in Champions League | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, Paulo Fonseca could hand a start to new centre-forward Loïs Openda at 20:00 on Tuesday, fronting a reshaped OL built not to lose. Tanner Tessmann may drop into defence, with Mathys De Carvalho and Abner bolstering midfield.

OL were beaten 0-4 by Betis Seville in their final friendly a week ago. Fonseca said afterwards his attack was very young, and he could now act on that for the first competitive match at Sparta Prague in the Champions League third qualifying round first leg.

Recent drills suggest the youth trio Kaïl Boudache, Rémi Himbert and Julien Duranville could make way for Openda, De Carvalho and Abner. The Belgian striker, on loan from Juventus, would be a logical and expected inclusion, while the other two raise tactical questions.

Tessmann should slot between Clinton Mata and Ruben Kluivert in a back three, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Mohamed Ouédraogo as wing-backs in a 3-4-2-1. De Carvalho could partner Tyler Morton in midfield, with Abner and Corentin Tolisso supporting Openda.

Probable OL XI, 3-4-2-1: Greif in goal, a back three of Mata, Tessmann and Kluivert, wing-backs Maitland-Niles and Ouédraogo, De Carvalho with Morton in midfield, Abner and captain Corentin Tolisso behind Openda.

Source: L'Équipe

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