Prediction: Olympique Lyon vs PSG

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 21/50

Bookmaker: 888sport

Two of the top teams in the French Ligue 1 will collide this Sunday, as Olympique Lyon and PSG will collide in an authentic Clash of Titans. Les Parisiens sit at the top of the Ligue 1 standings, but Lyon are one of the few teams that maintain their chances of pulling an upset against them. The game will start at 20:00 BST on Sunday.

PSG

Few teams in the world could say that they are in better form than PSG right now. The Ligue 1 giants are coming off an impressive 8-0 win over Dijon earlier this week, and the numbers certainly back them up. Unai Emery’s men have won their last eight games across all competitions, and are currently riding a five-game winning streak at the Ligue 1 level, thanks to convincing performances against the likes of Lille, Rennes, Caen, Nantes, and Dijon. Lyon are on an entire different category when it comes to quality of the opposition, but PSG have had good results against them as well since they have won their last four against Lyon. Furthermore, it seems no defence can stop PSG’s potent attacking line, led by Neymar who recently scored four times against Dijon and currently tallies 15 goals in the current campaign.

Team News

PSG should not have a lot of absentees ahead of this game.

Aside from Hatem Ben Arfa (illness) and Thiago Motta (thigh), the rest of the team should be at full strength.

Olympique Lyon

Lyon have a lot of things to play for even if PSG are far away at the top of the standings. Through 21 games, they sit in third place with 45 points, and they know they could move up to second in case they pull the upset and beat PSG at home. That is not an easy thing to do, however, as Les Parisiens only have one defeat in their entire Ligue 1 campaign. But if there is one that can pull the upset, that’s Lyon. They have enough talent on their attacking line and the numbers back that up. They are the second-best scoring team with 49 goals in just 21 games, and they have only allowed 21 as well. The team will have to be at their best if they want to pull the upset against one of the best teams in Europe right now.

Team News

Just like PSG, Lyon should not have a lot of absentees ahead of this game.

There are no confirmed absentees, and just one player likely to miss the contest. That’s Fernando Marcal, as the defender is dealing with a thigh injury. The Brazilian will require a late-fitness test to determine his availability.

Key Factors to Consider

• Six of the last eight PSG games have seen over 2.5 goles. They have also scored two (or more) goals in that exact same span.
• PSG have kept a clean sheet in each of their last three games across all competitions. They have allowed just 15 goals in 21 Ligue 1 matches, the best mark in the entire competition.
• This game will feature the two top-scoring sides in the Ligue 1. PSG rank at the top of the echelon with 67 goals, while Lyon sit in second place in that department with 49 goals scored.
• Lyon have been in a very good run of form as well, as they have not registered a single loss in their past five Ligue 1 matches.
• PSG have a clear edge over Lyon in the H2H department. They have won their last four meetings across all competitions, including a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season.

Conclusion

These are arguably two of the top teams in the Ligue 1 this season, and both have also ranked at the top when it comes to goals scored.

PSG are clear favourites here, but Lyon have enough talent to make things difficult for them. As such, I see both teams scoring in this one.

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 21/50

Bookmaker: 888sport