The last game of matchday 20 in Ligue 1 will take place at the Groupama Stadium, where Lyon is set to clash with Marseille on Sunday evening in the latest Choc des Olympiques showdown.
Lyon might find themselves in the relegation zone by the end of the weekend, sitting on 16 points after 19 games, while Marseille, with 29 points, could move into the top five with a victory and some luck from other matches.
Match Preview
Lyon aimed to secure a top-five spot in Ligue 1 this season after narrowly missing out on European qualification last year.
Yet, 19 games in, they’ve only clinched four victories and are caught in a fight against relegation, just above Lorient and Clermont Foot.
In the history of French top-flight football, only Bastia in 1968-69 has finished in the top half after collecting 16 points or fewer in the first 19 games.
A trio of wins improved the team’s spirits before the Christmas break, but Pierre Sage’s hopes for a quick recovery were dashed with two consecutive defeats at the beginning of the New Year.
Lyon faced a 3-1 defeat against Le Havre and then lost 3-2 to Rennes, finishing the latter game with nine players.
Lyon has been defeated in their last three encounters with Marseille, including a 3-0 loss in their previous meeting at Stade Velodrome.
Marseille, close behind Lille for a European spot, aims to return to winning ways after three winless matches across all competitions.
Gattuso’s team drew against Strasbourg and Monaco in their recent league games and was eliminated from the Coupe de France by Rennes.
Despite this, Marseille hasn’t lost in their last eight league matches, securing four victories, and has only faced one defeat in their last ten games.
However, Gattuso seeks to strengthen his defense away from home in the latter half of the season, as his team has struggled to keep clean sheets on the road, contributing to just one win in nine away games.
Lyon Ligue 1 Form:
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Lyon Form (All Competitions):
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Marseille Ligue 1 Form:
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Marseille Form (All Competitions):
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Team News
To boost their season, Lyon added Nemanja Matic in January, though he’s doubtful due to a muscle injury.
Gift Orban, another new face, debuted in the 3-2 loss to Rennes and might start this game.
Johann Lepenant, out with a knee injury, is expected back by month’s end. Duje Caleta-Car is still suspended.
Marseille will miss Amir Murillo and Valentin Rongier due to injuries, and Bilal Nadir is out for the season with an ACL injury.
Gattuso awaits the return of players from AFCON, though this game might be too soon for them.
Jean Onana, a recent addition, is likely to remain in midfield alongside Geoffrey Kondogbia and Jordan Veretout.
Lyon Possible Starting Lineup:
Lopes;
Mata, Lovren, O’Brien, Tagliafico;
Tolisso, Caqueret, Maitland-Niles;
Cherki, Lacazette, Fofana
Marseille Possible Starting Lineup:
Lopez;
Clauss, Meite, Balerdi, Garcia;
Onana, Kondogbia, Veretout;
Henrique, Aubameyang, Correa
Prediction: Lyon 1-1 Marseille
Lyon is struggling, but there have been signs of improvement under Pierre Sage, evident in their near comeback last week. Marseille has been strong but vulnerable away from home, managing only one win in nine away games.
Despite differences in their league standings, this matchup seems evenly matched, leading us to predict a draw at the final whistle.