Lyon are targeting their first win of the season as they welcome Monaco to Groupama Arena for a Ligue 1 clash. This fixture often produces goals and given the attacking quality on both sides, another high-scoring encounter is expected here.
Lyon were far from their best in their opening fixture as they suffered a 3-0 defeat at Rennes. They saw a lot of possession but struggled to find the cutting edge in attack, finishing with just two attempts on target.
The good news for manager Pierre Sage is that the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Rayan Cherki, who played at the Olympics, might be available for Saturday’s clash. However, the defensive display is likely to be a source of concern as Lyon were constantly carved open.
In contrast to Lyon’s struggles, Monaco were solid on the opening weekend as they claimed a 1-0 victory over Saint-Etienne. They were made to work hard by the visitors with Takumi Minamino’s first half effort proving to be the difference.
Manager Adi Hutter will take plenty of confidence from the performance, particularly the defensive display as they shut out the Saint-Etienne attack. However, the boss will demand his team be more clinical in front of goal having been wasteful in attack.
How the bookies view it: Slight edge for Lyon
Lyon have a slight edge among the bookies and are priced at 7/5 by Betfred to claim the win. A victory for Monaco is valued at 17/10 by Betfred, who is also offering odds of 5/2 for a draw.
Head to head: Lyon on top
Lyon have a 29-20 advantage with 13 draws from 62 previous matches against Monaco. They have also won the last three meetings, with last season’s meeting at Groupama Stadium ending in a 3-2 victory.
Players to watch: Lacazette to return in style
Lyon are likely to be boosted by the return of captain Lacazette, who missed the opening fixture following his participation in the Olympic games. The striker scored in this fixture last season and is priced at 11/8 with Betfred.
Folarin Balogun was among the culprits in Monaco’s missed chances last time out and will be keen to make things right. The striker could be worth keeping an eye on to score anytime on Saturday at 7/4 with Betfred.
Probable line-ups
Lacazette and Cherki are set to return to Lyon after missing the opening fixture of the season. Said Benrahma should retain his place in attack while Duje Caleta-Car is set to continue in defence.
Monaco are without Aleksandr Golovin, Krepin Diatta and Radoslaw Majecki, who are all sidelined with injury. They are likely to retain the same team that beat Saint-Etienne last time out with Balogun and Breel Embolo set to continue in attack.
Lyon: Lucas Perri, Mata, Caleta-Car, Niakhate, Abner, Caqueret, Matic, Mangala, Cherki, Benrahma, Lacazette
Monaco: Kohn, Jakobs, Salisu, Kehrer, Vanderson, Ben Seghir, Zakaria, Camara, Minamino, Balogun, Embolo
Anything else catch the eye?
It was a five goal thriller in the last meeting between Lyon and Monaco and a high scoring contest could be expected on Saturday. Over 4.5 goals is priced at 11/4 with Betfred, who is also offering 6/5 for over 3.5 goals.
Saturday’s clash is likely to open up after the break, so the second half could be tipped to produce the lost goals at evens with Betfred.
This French Ligue 1 match between Lyon and Monaco will be played on and kick off at 16:00. Check below for our tipsters best Lyon vs Monaco prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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