Ligue 1 Preview: Olympique Lyonnais - Olympique de Marseille

Roaring Into The Last 16

It was not vintage from Lyon, but Claude Puel’s men have booked their spot in the knockout stages of the Champions League for a seventh consecutive year. Few sides in Europe can boast such an impressive record but, of course, les Gones’ fine continental record has been forged from success in Le Championnat.

Having allowed their crown to slip into the clutches of Girondins de Bordeaux last May, the side managed by Claude Puel has launched an aggressive assault to reclaim their title, which they monopolised for the previous seven seasons. This came largely by virtue of a bold summer in the transfer market, which saw over €70 million spent.

Although they are behind Bordeaux once again in Ligue 1, the dividends of their summer investment are already being reaped in Europe. Bafetimbi Gomis, Michel Bastos and Aly Cissokho have all played significant roles in the Champions League campaign to date, but unquestionably the key man has been Lisandro Lopez, whose late, late equaliser against Liverpool at home on Tuesday sent Stade Gerland into raptures.

The Argentine has not been quite so effective in the league, but ‘Bafe’ Gomis has been quick to step up to the plate. It was he who snaffled the only goal of the Derby du Rhone against fierce rivals Saint-Etienne last weekend - ending OL’s two game losing streak in league play - and he has also struck vital goals against Valenciennes, Toulouse and Paris Saint-Germain.

But the performance of individuals should not be highlighted too much. This Lyon side is more of a ‘team’ than they were in the previous couple of seasons, when the likes of Karim Benzema carried much of the load. OL may still be in something of a transition phase, but they seem to be getting smoother and smoother, and have successfully roused themselves for the big games this season.

Off The Pace

Twenty-four hours after Lyon celebrated progression into the next phase of the Champions League, Marseille were pondering somewhat different emotions at Stade Velodrome. Despite smashing FC Zurich 6-1, and displaying some lovely attacking football in the process, les Phoceens’ chances of progression to the last 16 of Europe’s elite competition took a blow as Real Madrid and Milan cancelled each other out at the San Siro.

Victory for los Blancos would have been OM’s ideal result, as it would have meant one good victory in northern Italy would have been enough to secure a spot amongst they cream of the continental crop, but they now probably need two massive results against the European behemoths in order to progress. Even in the aftermath of their own incredible success, the players seemed fully aware of what is required to save the situation.

OM faces will only grow glummer if they slip on Sunday evening. A thoroughly unconvincing start to the league campaign has seen them slide seven points behind leaders Bordeaux and five behind OL. By Monday, Didier Deschamps could be waking up facing a ten point chasm and a challenge to win Ligue 1 arguably greater than that of Champions League progression.

Languishing seventh in the standings, les Phoceens have yet to find the correct balance to their game, hindered by an uncertain defensive set-up and Lucho Gonzalez’s continuing injury problems.

Although only ten goals have been leaked in league play all season, seven of these have come in the last five matches and the rearguard is yet to really convince. Lyon will look to take advantage of such frailty on Sunday.

FORM GUIDE

Lyon

DREW 1-1 (h) Liverpool (Champions League, Matchday 4, November 3)

WON 1-0 (a) Saint-Etienne (Ligue 1, Matchday 12, October 31)

LOST 4-1 (a) Nice (Ligue 1, Matchday 10, October 24)

WON 2-1 (a) Liverpool (Champions League, Matchday 3, October 20)

LOST 2-0 (h) Sochaux (Ligue 1, Matchday 9, October 17)

Marseille

WON 6-1 (h) FC Zurich (Champions League, Matchday 4, November 4)

DREW 1-1 (h) Toulouse (Ligue 1, Matchday 12, October 31)

WON 1-0 (a) FC Zurich (Champions League, Matchday 3, October 21)

WON 3-0 (a) Nancy (Ligue 1, Matchday 9, October 17)

LOST 2-1 (h) Monaco (Ligue 1, Matchday 8, October 4)

TEAM NEWS

Lyon

Claude Puel is again facing something of a defensive conundrum at the weekend. Jean-Alain Boumsong is not yet ready for action, while Mathieu Bodmer is likely to remain on the sidelines too. Fellow centre-back Cleber Anderson is out, which means Jeremy Toulalan will play alongside Cris again.

However, the defence is further hindered because of injuries to Anthony Reveillere and Francois Clerc. Lamine Gassama will make his first Ligue 1 start of the campaign at right-back.

Miralem Pjanic picked up a muscular problem against Liverpool and is also ruled out. Gomis is a doubt.

Probable Starting XI: Lloris; Gassama, Cris, Toulalan, Cissokho; Makoun, Ederson, Kallstrom; Michel Bastos, Lisandro, Govou

Marseille

Puel may have a host of injury issues, but OM head coach Didier Deschamps does not have too many problems. Lucho remains the big absentee for les Phoceens, who are also without Julien Rodriguez.

Hilton should maintain his place in the middle of the defence after a decent showing against FC Zurich, but question marks must be raised over Gabriel Heinze’s future in the side as Taye Taiwo would appear to be a stronger left-back than the Argentine. Heinze’s experience may just win the day here.

Garry Bocaly should be replaced by Laurent Bonnart, though a dynamic offensive performance in midweek from the young full-back will put him to the forefront of Deschamps’ mind for future challenges.

Probable Starting XI: Mandanda; Bonnart, Diawara, Hilton, Heinze; Mbia; Cheyrou, Abriel; Kone, Brandao, Niang

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Lyon

For the first time in his short career, Hugo Lloris seemed to grab Europe-wide headlines in midweek as he produced a number of terrific saves against Liverpool. A stopper with great reflexes and an unparalleled willingness to come off his line and claim crosses, he has firmly established himself as France’s No.1 and an interesting confrontation is in the offing on Sunday, as he goes head-to-head with his main rival for the international gloves: Steve Mandanda.

Marseille

Steve Mandanda has fallen one place down the pecking order in France coach Raymond Domenech’s eyes, losing his status as his country’s first choice. Ahead of a vital play-off double-header against Ireland, this is the last chance for him to showcase his talents. With a somewhat porous looking defence in front of him, it is likely the highly-rated 24-year-old custodian will have to be at his very best to keep a clean sheet.

PREDICTION

Both offences look stronger than they did when these sides fought out a drab 0-0 draw at this venue 11 months ago. However, the defences would appear to have remained at around the same level, which should suggest there will be more action. Lyon certainly approach this fixture as clear favourites, though there is plenty of talent in the Marseille squad to make this a hugely entertaining and somewhat unpredictable encounter. Traditionally, though, these have been tight encounters, with OL winning only one of the last five on home soil.

Olympique Lyonnais 1-1 Olympique de Marseille