Ligue 1 – Match Preview – Lyon vs Lille

Ligue 1 – Match Preview – Lyon vs Lille

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This weekend Lyon play host to 12th place Lille and will be looking to secure back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

During the international break Lyon lost their most influential player in Nabil Fekir, substituted due to injury after just 14 minutes during France’s 1-0 win over Portugal last Friday. Ruled out for up to six months, it comes as a massive blow for both club and country, as one of France’s most promising players may now miss Euro 2016.

Their opposition Lille have had a slow start to 2015-16. picking up their only win against bottom placed Ajaccio on Matchday four after a defeat to PSG and two draws against Monaco and Bordeaux.

Key Battle – Alexandre Lacazette vs Vincent Enyeama

It is no secret that the form of Alexandre Lacazette this season has been very worrying, with the French forward without a goal to his name so far. He was not called up to the national side over the break, giving the striker adequate time to recover from his back injury, while also having time to rediscover his shooting boots. So expect to see Lacazette testing the Lille custodian with plenty of shots.

Vincent Enyeama has only conceded one goal so far this season and has been in fantastic form. He is going to need to be on top of his game to keep the Lyon striker out, but the Nigerian gloveman has all the abilities to make it happen.

Team News

Lyon playmaker Fekir ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in his first start with the French national side against Portugal, which will see him on the side lines for at least six months. Striker Lacazette is fit to start after recovering from a back injury during the international break whilst new signing Sergi Darder lacks match fitness and may not earn a start on his home debut.

Lyon expected starting XI (4-3-1-2): Lopes (GK); Rafael, Yanga-Mbiwa, Umtiti, Bedimo; Ferri, Gonalons, Tolisso; Valbuena; Lacazette, Beauvue.

Herve Renard’s side has only scored one goal this season. Renard will be hoping his new signings Lenny Nangis and Yassine Benzia can add to their firepower going forward. Benzia may have to wait for his debut though due to a thigh injury the striker picked up in the international break. They will also be without Sofiane Boufal who is suspended.

Caen expected starting XI (4-3-3) Enyeama (GK); Corchia, Civelli, Basa, Sidibe Balmont, Mavuba, Obbadi; Nangis, Guillaume, Beautheac.

Head-to-head

In their previous 23 matches, Lyon have won seven and Lille have won nine. This has resulted in seven draws between the sides. Les Gones have won four of the previous six times in which they have been the home side.

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Previous meeting

The last meeting between these sides ended in a 2-1 Lille win. Corentin Tolisso opened to scoring before goals from Idrissa Gueye and Marcos Lopes gave Les Dogues the three points.

Prediction

Without their creative outlet Fekir it is going to be difficult to grab all three points against Lille. A side who have only conceded one goal so far this season, however, Lacazette is eager to open his 2015-16 account and should push Lyon over the line.

Lyon 3 Lille 1

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