Gary Neville
Thousands of fans turned out to watch Gary Neville's first training session as Valencia head coach on 7 December Reuters

Gary Neville's first match as Valencia head coach is a do-or-die Champions League decider against Lyon at the Mestalla on 9 December.

Where to watch live

Kick-off is set for 7.45pm GMT. The game will be broadcast live on BT Sport Extra.

Overview

Valencia will hope the new manager effect will carry them through a match they must win to stand any chance of qualifying for the knock-out stages of the Champions League. The Spanish club must come out on top against Lyon and hope Ghent fail to beat Zenit St Petersburg in the other Group H clash to reach the round of 16.

New Valencia boss Neville has to contend with a lengthy injury list at the Mestalla, with Antonio Barragan, Diego Alves, Shkrodan Mustafi, Alvaro Negredo and Rodrigo all sidelined. Defender Ruben Vezo is unavailable through suspension as a result of his red card against Zenit on matchday five.

With just one point to show for their efforts after five matches, Lyon are rock-bottom in Group E and have nothing but pride to play for. The Ligue 1 side are on a five-match winless run in all competitions and were beaten 2-0 at home by Angers at the weekend.

Aldo Kalulu, Nabil Fekir, Christophe Jallet and Samuel Umtiti are all sidelined for the visitors through injury, while midfielder Jordan Ferri is suspended.

What managers say

Gary Neville: "I've been offered jobs in football over last four to five years. The timing never felt right. I wanted to learn about different things coming out of football. I've been sitting on TV these last years talking about coaches, the time has now come for me to stand up."

Hubert Fournier: "I feel, like I hope everyone does, very disappointed by the evening and by the way we lost the match [against Angers]. We need to keep our dignity and focus on the Champions League match at Valencia."

Form guide

  • Valencia (all competitions): DWLLD
  • Last result: Valencia 1-1 Barcelona
  • Lyon (all competitions): LDLLL
  • Last result: Lyon 0-2 Angers

Betting odds (888sport)

  • Valencia win: 5/12
  • Draw: 62/17
  • Lyon win: 29/4

Team news

Valencia possible XI: Domenech; Cancelo, Santos, Abdennour, Gaya; Barbosa, Parejo, Perez; Mina, Alcacer, De Paul

Lyon possible XI: Lopes; Tolisso, Kone, Morel, Bedimo; Beauvue, Tousart, Malbranque, Mvuemba; Valbuena, Lacazette

Champions League