Kallstrom calls for Lyon to end 2008 on a high at Caen

Lyon are up on the Normandy coast Saturday hoping to end a four-match winless run to preserve their narrow lead at the top of the table ahead of the winter recess.

The seven-time champions, who sit three points clear, take on mid-table Caen anxious to close the year on a high after last weekend's stalemate with Marseille.

Lyon manager Claude Puel targeted maximum points at Caen a must after the goalless draw at the Stade Gerland venue.

Lyon's Swedish international midfielder Kim Kallstrom has called on his teammates to “reverse the trend” at Caen. “This game is super-important,” said Kallstrom.

“We're experiencing a difficult time with four games without victory. We have to stop that. Here we've got a game to end the year on a good note and to wind up the first half of the season with a smile in front with at least three points and qualification for the Champions League.”

Kallstrom added: “We've struggled recently to play really well after starting the season in good shape. From the new year we have to avoid being led 2-0 at home in the first half because it's always hard to play catch up!”

Lyon's scoring record could be better with Kallstrom suggesting the key to the problem was their French international striker, Karim Benzema.

“When Karim doesn't play it's one big plus that's missing and it's inevitably more difficult.”

He said the effects of a long year were beginning to take their toll.

“We're in a period of the season when it's normal to feel tired. We've got a lot of players who competed in Euro 2008 this sumemr so we're happy to have in france a small winter break. That will do everyone a lot of good.”

Lyon's Brazilian attacking midfielder Honorato Ederson injured an ankle against Marseille but should be fit for Saturday as should striker Frederic Piquionne.

On the flip side Italian back Fabio Grosso is suspended. All three teams holding a share of second place on 32 points must wait 24 hours before closing out 2008.

Bordeaux, in second on goal difference from PSG and Marseille, are away to Monaco in Sunday's late game with earlier PSG hosting Valenciennes and Nancy at the Velodrome to tackle Marseille.

PSG go into the game on a high after making it into the UEFA Cup round of 32 with a 4-0 thrashing of FC Twente at the Parc des Princes on Thursday.

Bordeaux play a Monaco side depleted by four players out with suspension – the Croatian duo Nikolas Pokrivac and Jerko Leko, Brazilian Adriano and Argentinian Alejandro Alonso. Korean star Park Chu-young is injured.

Marseille are without Mamadou Niang until January with a right foot injury and consequently coach Eric Gerets will be relieved to welcome back Baky Kone.

Down at the foot of the table, bottom side Le Havre travel to Lille with coach Frederic Hantz on Thursday signing an 18-month contract in place of their now sporting director Jean-Marc Nobilo.

French fixtures

Saturday (1800GMT unless stated)

Saint Etienne v Auxerre, Grenoble v Le Mans, Nantes v Sochaux, Toulouse v Nice, Lille v Le Havre, Lorient v Rennes, Caen v Lyon (2000)

Sunday

Paris Saint Germain v Valenciennes (1600), Marseille v Nancy (1600), Monaco v Bordeaux (2000)