Lyon to leave no stone unturned in Lille
Fourth placed Lille host fifth placed Lyon in a pivotal match in the quest for qualification for European football next season, Christophe Galtier’s men are six points the superior to Rudi Garcia’s visitors. This game will make or break the Champions League last 16 outfits’ season, should they win their bid is back on with the gap reduced to three points, but lose and it looks like an unassailable nine which with only 10 games to go would be all but impossible. OL come into this one off a hiding in the cup from the league leaders Paris Saint-Germain, a 5-1 demolition at the Groupama Stadium.
Lille’s attacking trio
Remarkably 13 of the Great Danes’ last 16 goals have been scored by one of three players. Despite using a 4-4-2 formation consistently of late, precocious central midfielder Renato Sanches has popped up with three of those strikes, Loic Remy and Victor Osimhen has contributed five each to the other 10. Osimhen is having a breakout season at just 21, the Nigeria international has 13 goals and four assists in Ligue 1 from 26 appearances, just three strikes behind Lyon’s Moussa Dembele.
Experienced campaigner Remy has 13 goals in all competitions this campaign, enjoying late resurgence in his career, at 33 joining the 2018/19 runners up following spells with Crystal Palace, Las Palmas and Getafe. An outstanding Ligue 1 striker over the years having spent time at Marseille, Nice and Lyon, Remy has 70 goals in 210 appearances in the division, a goal every three outings, his experience will be valuable in this encounter.
Moussa Dembele
Without doubt the danger man in this Lyon team in the absence of Memphis Depay and Jeff Reine-Adelaide. Subject to many a transfer rumour in the January window, the Fulham academy graduates’ future beyond May is unclear and would look a lot bleaker for Garcia’s men should they fail to qualify for any form of European football. 22 goals and seven assists demonstrate the 23-year-olds potential with a return to the Premier League on the cards, Dembele will want to go out with a bang in what has been a great spell with OL. 50 goals is in his sights, he is on 42 from 87 appearances.
Juventus first leg
In a desperate campaign Lyon showed the world that they are capable against the best teams in the world on their day, holding their own and grabbing a crucial 1-0 win over the Old Lady to take to Turin, Lucas Tousart scored the winner on 31 minutes, though he has already signed for Hertha Berlin for the 2020/21 season. This result and performance should give the fifth placed side confidence to resurrect their season in this match.
Both teams are in good form if you discount Lyon’s cup defeat, a hugely competitive fiery affair is in the offing.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
The aforementioned Loic Remy grabbed the winner and only goal, as a 1-0 Lille victory stretched the gap to eight points from fifth place.