Verdict: Draw
Best Odds: 45/17
Bookmaker: 888sport
With Paris Saint-Germain safely distanced on top of Ligue 1 standings, Lyon and Marseille are two of three clubs vying for the remaining Champions League spot and a runners-up place in the French championship. That said, the forthcoming clash at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais bears great importance for both sides.
Lyon
Bruno Genesio’s charges have alternated between victories and defeats over last five matches in all competitions.
Lack of consistency has become an issue for Lyon who are coming off from a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Montpellier in Coupe de la Ligue. Genesio will not be too preoccupied with the midweek loss knowing that he has a huge match to think about, a game against Marseille that could determine the entire season for Les Gones. The Cup clash was a chance for Lyon boss to field a much-changed squad and reward some of his fringe players with a run in but it can’t be said they made a good use of a chance given to them. Genesio is expected to revert back to his strongest side and 4-2-3-1 formation with Diaz spearheading the attack with Cornet, Fekir and Memphis Depay supporting his from behind. Lyon will be hoping to build on their latest Ligue 1 triumph over at Amines and will shift their entire focus back to the championship.
Team News
The 22-year-old forward Bertrand Traore is suffering from a knee injury and will be the only confirmed absentee for the upcoming fixture.
Clement Grenier has picked up a foot injury and is not expected to be risked despite the fact there is a chance he could reach full fitness in time for the Marseille challenge.
Marseille
Rudi Garcia’s side suffered the same faith in their midweek Coupe de la Ligue outing as their next rivals. Marseille were eliminated from the competition at the hands of Rennes on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the normal time.
Marseille boss also fielded a combined squad for the Cup challenge in an effort to keep some of his players fresh for the big weekend match but Les Phoceens still put in a hell of an effort to try and beat Rennes. Ocampos and Sarr lacked luck from the penalty spot, however, and Marseille saw Rennes celebrate going through to the next stage. There is no need crying over spilt milk and Rudi Garcia will tell his men to lift their heads high as they prepare for a trip to Lyon that could be a huge morale boost for the team. Aside from the midweek loss, Marseille have been going eight matches without defeat and head into the Lyon clash feeling confident that a fine run can be extended. Former Newcastle flop Florian Thauvin has been in remarkable form for Marseille this season having already bagged eight goals in 17 appearances and will once again be the one to watch.
Team News
Young French defender Boubacar Kamara is unavailable with an ankle injury.
The experienced midfielder Gregory Sertic is also out of contention.
Key Factors to Consider
- Both sides thus far won 10, drew 5 and lost 2 Ligue 1 matches
- Lyon have enjoyed a slightly better scoring form with 42 goals bagged in 17 rounds
- Les Gones lost only one home match this entire season
- Mariano Diaz has been in impressive form with 12 goals in 17 matches thus far
- Marseille drew four of their last 5 matches on the road
Conclusion
There is little standing between Lyon and Marseille this season in terms of results but also team quality and we definitely expect to see a closely contested match. Lyon have a slight upper hand thanks to their fine home form this season but Marseille are a tough nut to crack.
Verdict: Draw
Best Odds: 45/17
Bookmaker: 888sport
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