Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Two camps who have their sights set on booking a European finish this season, Strasbourg will welcome Lyon to the Stade de la Meinau on Friday night.
Strasbourg
Starting with the hosts, while Strasbourg might have entered France’s festive break in the midst of a public struggle, Liam Rosenior’s men have come roaring back in a remarkable fashion. Heading into March’s fortnight interval with a 2-1 victory at home against Toulouse, the former Hull City boss has seen his squad gain a string of plaudits from across France’s elite. Along with winning each of their previous three Ligue 1 appearances by an aggregate score of 4-1, Strasbourg have also registered 16 points from just their last six top-flight showdowns. Skyrocketing up the table and with their sights firmly set on pinching a famous European spot in 2025, Rosenior’s men will be looking to lay down another marker when they return to the Stade de la Meinau on Friday night.
Strasbourg Team News
Both dealing with respective Achilles tendon issues prior to March’s international break, Strasbourg will once again be without the duo of Moise Sahi Dion and Irish youngster Andrew Omobamidele on Friday night. However, serving a one-match ban against Toulouse on March 16th, Dilane Bakwa will return to Strasbourg’s squad.
Enjoying another bright run after completing a second loan switch from Premier League outfit Chelsea, 20-year-old Andrey Santos will play a leading role. Arriving from Brighton during the January transfer window, Valentin Barco will start at left-back.
Lyon
As for the visitors, although Lyon might have signed off February with a dramatic 3-2 loss at home against historic rivals PSG, Les Gones find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Heading into March’s international break with an action-packed 4-2 victory against Le Havre, Paulo Fonseca’s side open Friday’s showdown sat within touching distance of finding a route into the Champions League spots. Likewise, booking their Europa League quarter-final ticket earlier in the month thanks to a routine 7-1 aggregate win against FCSB, Lyon have now won each of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Landing a frantic 4-3 victory when they welcomed Strasbourg to town for their reverse Ligue 1 meeting on August 30th, it should also be highlighted that Les Gones have won all of their last three showdowns away from the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.
Lyon Team News
Heading into Friday’s trip to Strasbourg, Lyon have reported a clean bill of health and have no fresh injury concerns to worry about. Bagging consecutive National League brace while away with Georgia over the past week, the red-hot Georges Mikautadze could be handed a full recall.
Enjoying what has been a hugely impressive campaign this season, former Arsenal star Ainsley Maitland-Niles will start at right-back. Attracting plenty of heavyweight interest ahead of the summer transfer window, 21-year-old Rayan Cherki will play a leading role here.
Strasbourg vs Lyon Key Factors to Consider
- When Strasbourg and Lyon met for their reverse Ligue 1 showdown on August 30th, Les Gones collected an action-packed 4-3 victory on home soil.
- Lyon have won each of their previous five appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 15-4.
- Strasbourg have registered 16 points from their previous six Ligue 1 showdowns.
- Friday’s hosts have suffered just a single Ligue 1 defeat at the Stade de la Meinau since a 3-1 loss against Monaco on November 9th.
- Six of the last seven meetings between Strasbourg and Lyon have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
Two sides who find the moods in their respective camps at a red-hot high when heading into March’s international break, neutrals will be hoping for a thriller this weekend. Watching Lyon secure a dramatic 4-3 victory when they welcomed Strasbourg to town for their reverse meeting on August 30th, Friday’s opponents do have a habit of producing fireworks when they meet. It should be noted, with six of their last seven showdowns finishing with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome here.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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