Weaker Lyon to struggle in league opener vs Monaco

Ligue 1 2019/20 gets underway this Friday with last seasons’ surprise strugglers Monaco hosting a Lyon side who ended last campaign very strongly. Both teams have good recent records on the opening day of the season however Lyon are superior squad wise even though they have lost some key individuals this summer transfer window. The reinstated Leonardo Jardim will be looking to make last seasons’ 17^th placed finish a distant memory with a few new faces freshening up the group at Stade Louis II.

Recent form

Monaco are unbeaten in their last four opening games, winning three times and drawing once, with both teams getting on the scoresheet in their last five. They only averaged 1.0 goals per game at home in 2018/19, contrasting to Lyon who had a respectable campaign, finishing third. Lyon ended last term unbeaten in six and have now scored in 15 consecutive competitive outings. Interestingly the last match Sylvinho’s men failed to score in was in a 2-0 loss to Monaco, which is the only head-to-head encounter in their last eight that saw under 2.5 goals. The Kids have an even stronger record on the opening day, currently unbeaten in their last 15 opening Ligue 1 fixtures with 12 wins and three draws, all 12 of those victories were also accompanied by a clean sheet. The visitors had the second best away record last term, averaging 1.68 points and goals per trip.

Lyon’s losses

The transfer window has not been kind to this Olympique Lyonnais side; however they now have a lot of cash at their disposal to rebuild. After catching the eye with good performances in last seasons’ Champions League particularly, new targets for foreign clubs were identified that came to a head this summer. Tanguy Ndombele, Ferland Mendy and Nabil Fekir being the three main departures, to Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid and Real Betis respectively. Ndombele was the enforcer holding the midfield together, Fekir was the spark and arguably their most talented player with Mendy a bright young flame ready to hit the ground running at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Signings

Lyon have brought in two reinforcements from last seasons’ overperformers, Lille. Youssouf Kone and Thiago Mendes for around £30million as seemingly direct replacements for Mendy and Ndombele. The marquee signing for Monaco is Gelson Martins from Atletico Madrid for £28million upfront, the Portuguese winger was on loan with The Red and Whites last season notching four goals and as many assists in 17 appearances. His pace and creativity will cause all kinds of problems for the Lyon backline on Friday evening.

Monaco will continue their strong form on the opening day of the season and get a positive result against a Lyon side in transition.

Monaco – Lyon Betting Tip

Double Chance Monaco to Win or Draw + Over 2.5 goals with Unibet at odds of 2/1.

Bet Double Chance Monaco to Win or Draw + Over 2.5 goals on Unibet