Lyon to kick start their season with a win

Lyon kick off their domestic season with a home game against Dijon. After reaching the last four of the Champions League, can they do the day job against French opposition? Have a read of our preview here:

Lyon back to bread and butter football

Lyon did themselves proud with the way they performed in the Champions League this season but they have to put the disappointment of losing out in the semi-finals behind them.

It is always difficult to get back to league action after big nights in Europe but pushing PSG closer in Ligue 1 must be set as a priority for Rudi Garcia’s side this season.

He has Mephis Depay back from injury and Moussa Dembele is also a top talent, but the club have some excellent young players to call upon.

Maxwel Cornet, Houssem Aouar and many others besides, can make a huge impact for the club this season. They all played a big part in their triumph over the likes of Juventus in the Champions League, and should be pushing for a title challenge in 2020/21.

Finishing seventh last season really is unacceptable. This season they need to make amends and fast. The Champions League run will only bide them so much time before fans get impatient and so expect more urgency from the seven-time French champions this year.

Uphill task for Dijon

For those who don’t really follow French football, Dijon is a place more famous for its mustard than its Ligue 1 team, but they have a club who are capable of competing at this level.

A mid-table finish last season was just about right but success this year depends on who they find to replace Stephy Mavididi, whose move to Montpellier for around £6.5m means he will not be returning on loan for a second campaign.

He was the club’s top scorer last season with five league goals (eight in all competitions), and will be missed.

They do have several other players capable of making a big impact. Didier Ndong may have been a blot on Sunderland’s history book, but he does add something to the Dijon team.

Mounir Chouiar is a skilful winger who has an excellent cross on him which could cause Lyon some problems.

This is a tough game for Dijon but take them lightly at your peril.

Lyon v Dijon betting tip

Even if Lyon suffer a European hangover, it is hard to see them not getting all three points here. That is why we are backing Lyon to win at odds of 1.36 with bet365.

Bet Lyon to win on Bet365