Lyon vs Monaco

Groupama Stadium is the venue as Lyon and Monaco go head-to-head in a heavyweight Ligue 1 fixture.

John Textor’s presidential reign at Lyon was off to a sluggish start as Laurent Blanc’s side spurned an early lead in a 2-1 defeat at Clermont last time out, relinquishing a two-game winning Ligue 1 run. One way or another, this match-up should yield a winner, given that none of Lyon’s last league games have ended as a draw (W5, L2). Since only one of those matches (won/lost) featured a clean sheet, much of the pressure will be on the frontline. But that’s where they’ve excelled lately, netting 3+ goals in two of their last three top-flight outings at the Groupama Stadium (W2, L1). Worryingly for the home fans, ‘Les Gones’ have lost four of their six league encounters against sides starting the round in the top six this term (W2).

On the other hand, Monaco’s hopes of making up ground on third-placed Marseille are practically dead in the water following last weekend’s tepid 0-0 home draw against Lille. With only three games left to go, they trail the final Champions League qualification spot by eight points. Victory here would at least guarantee Europa League football next season, but it’s worth noting Philippe Clement’s men have only won once on their last three league travels (D1, L1). With each game in that sequence producing over 2.5 goals, a high-scoring contest could be in store. ‘Les Monégasques’ wouldn’t mind a more keenly-contested battle as long as they can secure a third consecutive top-flight win over Lyon for the first time since 1990.