Prediction: Lyon vs Monaco

Verdict: Alexandre Lacazette to score anytime

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Looking to make an immediate return to winning ways on Friday night, Lyon will welcome Monaco to the Parc Olympique Lyonnais for what is a heavyweight affair.

Lyon

Starting with the hosts, coming off the back of a downbeat display last week as they suffered a 2-1 loss away at Clermont, there is no doubt that Lyon will be glad to make a return to home soil here. However, despite still winning four of their last six Ligue 1 appearances, Laurent Blanc’s side are facing an uphill battle in their bid to book a European return this season. Opening this weekend’s fixtures sat four points adrift of breaking into the top-five, the one-time PSG boss knows that his squad faces a crucial showdown on Friday night. Last seen at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais claiming a remarkable 5-4 win against Montpellier, Les Gones have largely impressed with their performances on home soil. Aside from a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Marseille on April 23rd, Lyon are unbeaten in each of their other eight appearances in front of their own supporters – a run that stems all the way back to the middle of January.

Team News

Not making a single appearance since the start of February and suffering another injury setback, former Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng will once again miss out on Friday night. Likewise, missing out against Clermont last weekend, Lyon are sweating over the fitness of Bradley Barcola.

Bagging a consolation strike last time out and now notching a stunning eight goals since returning from March’s international break, the red-hot Alexandre Lacazette will spearhead Lyon’s charge here.

Monaco

As for the visitors, while Monaco might still find themselves leading the chase to secure a lucrative top-four finish this season, Philippe Clement’s side are in the midst of a recent wobble. Last seen putting in a toothless display as they had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate at home against Lille, the Monegasques have managed to muster just a single win from any of their last four Ligue 1 appearances. With their recent issues highlighted by an infamous 4-0 drumming at home against Montpellier on April 30th, the former Club Brugge boss will be desperate for his side to claim a crucial boost on Friday night. However, despite being tipped as an underdog pick here, Monaco have certainly gained a reputation for their continued success away from the Stade Louis II. In fact, Clement’s side have remarkably lost just one of their previous 17 straight contests outside of Fontvieille – a run that stems all the way back to October 23rd.

Team News

In what could be a real boost for Monaco on Friday night, both Wissam Ben Yedder and Guillermo Maripan will make their returns on Friday night after serving their own respective suspensions. However, dealing with a long-term groin issue, 24-year-old Malang Sarr will once again miss out at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.

Only mustering a single strike in any of his last eight appearances, Myron Boadu should make way for Ben Yedder’s return this weekend. Likewise, returning from a knock against Lille last week, Breel Embolo will once again feature here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met at the Stade Louis II for their reverse Ligue 1 meeting on September 11th, Monaco claimed a 2-1 victory.
• However, Lyon have won four of their previous five meetings against Monaco at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.
• Former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette has recorded 25 goals in his 32 Ligue 1 appearances.
• Monaco have remarkably suffered just a single defeat from any of their last 17 straight away fixtures across all competitions.
• Each of Lyon’s last four Ligue 1 fixtures on home soil have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Knowing that they face a must-win showdown on Friday night if they are to clinch a European return this month, Lyon will undoubtedly be calling on the red-hot Lacazette to spearhead their charge here. While Monaco might have gained a reputation for their continued success away from the Stade Louis II, the former Arsenal skipper is enjoying a record-breaking flurry. In fact, along with bagging four goals against Montpellier on May 7th, the 31-year-old has now scored eight times since returning from March’s international break. Likewise, bagging 25 Ligue 1 strikes in his 32 top-flight appearances this season, Lacazette will be confident of making another statement at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.

Verdict: Alexandre Lacazette to score anytime

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: Olympusbet