For his first at home on the Olympique Lyonnais bench, Laurent Blanc will face Paulo Fonseca’s LOSC this Sunday evening at Groupama Stadium for the closing match of the 13th day of Ligue 1 (8:45 p.m., match to follow on our live commented). The new Rhone coach will therefore play his third match since his return to France, after a defeat in Rennes (2-3) and a success snatched from Montpellier (2-1), with two doubles from his general, Alexandre Lacazette (6 goals in L1). Eighth in the standings before this weekend, the Gones are keen to revive themselves on their land, they who have not won in their lair since the beginning of September, and a manita inflicted on Angers (5-0).
For its part, Lille is two small points behind Olympique de Marseille, fifth after its draw conceded on the lawn of Strasbourg (2-2). It was precisely at La Meinau that Paulo Fonseca’s men won on the last day thanks to a double from his prolific striker Jonathan David (9 goals, 3rd top scorer in L1), before offering himself the scalp AS Monaco at home in a crazy match (4-3). The Mastiffs, winners of their last three matches in the league, could even join the top 4 at the end of the evening if they win, combined with a poor performance from Stade Rennais (which will host the MHSC at 3 p.m.).
A duel of goleadors
Regarding the expected compositions, starting with the locals, the former PSG coach should align his usual 3-5-2, but without Diomandé, suspended after his red scoop in Montpellier, and Tolisso, still injured in the hamstrings. In front of the last rampart Lopes, Da Silva and Lukeba would accompany Boateng in the central hinge. With Gusto and Tagliafico in pistons, Aouar, Mendes and Caqueret will occupy the Lyon midfield while the striker Lacazette and his sidekick Dembele will form the offensive doublet to try to thwart the plans of a Lille defense sometimes in difficulty (9th defense of the top 10 ).
For this trip to the Rhône, the Portuguese technician should not change his plans and would remain on his 4-2-3-1. Holder in the Lille goals since mid-September, Chevalier should be supported by Fonte and Djalo in the axis of the rearguard, alongside Diakité and Ismaily. The double pivot would be formed by André and And. Gomes, behind playmaker Cabella, the best passer in the northern team. Finally, Weah will take the place of Ounas on the right of the attack, while Bamba will be the Lille blaster on the left and David will occupy the point of the attack. If the last two OL-LOSC only offered us one goal (for Lille, 1-0 victory on February 27, 0-0 at the end of 2021), this Lacazette-David duel should offer us more spectacle at Décines-Charpieu.
