Sociedad and Bournemouth have identifiable attacking connections that survive their current squad changes. Lyon's central exits and Sparta's ability to secure the ball beyond pressure are the main points of contact. In both matches, repeated access to a good receiver matters more than the latest scoreline.
Sociedad can move the receiving point through Kubo, Sučić, Oyarzabal and their left-sided attackers. Lyon's recent European defeat exposed central losses while trying to build, giving those options a specific area to attack. Sociedad's box access against Levante and attacking response against Athletic support the ability to generate the next chance.
Niakhaté and Nuamah both started Lyon's last match but are current reported absences. Tagliafico is in the travelling squad, and the older midfield absences already have replacements working beneath them. Sociedad retain several attacking and substitute options. I expect their pressure and varied receiving positions to test Lyon's revised central unit through successive phases. That's why I'm siding with Real Sociedad to win.
Bournemouth's high regain through Kluivert into Evanilson against Leeds is one route; Cook's forward passing and the available wide attackers offer others. Sparta must escape that first pressure and then retain the next pass. Their earlier Lyon scoring connection involved Ryneš and Mercado, whose current availability does not reproduce that pairing.
Ryneš remains unavailable and Mercado has missed matches and training without clearance for this fixture. Kroupi played domestically but is excluded here by the reported registration restriction; Bournemouth still retain the demonstrated alternatives around Adams, Christie and the forwards. I expect their pressure to create early attacks and their passing options to sustain later chances. That's why I'm siding with Bournemouth to win.
