In this matchup, we take a look at two sides towards the top-end of the table, Lyon, who sit in eighth position, and Monaco, who pushing for first from second place. Both teams disappointed in their last fixtures, with draws against two other sides that they will have hoped to have beaten. A win for either side would be a huge statement of intent and a big step towards their European ambitions, or something greater.
Lyon vs. Monaco
3-Way: 1: Lyon +143; X: +293 Draw; 2: Monaco +200
Spread 0: -127; Monaco +122
Total +3.5: Over +114; Under -119
Lyon
Lyon was left still searching for a win after a thrilling 3:3 draw at Angers in their previous fixture. The away side had a great first half, scoring four goals within the first forty-five minutes. Ex-Real Madrid striker Mariano Diaz opened the scoring with five minutes on the clock after scuffing a cross into the corner of the goal for his sixth strike of the season. Unfortunately for Lyon, one of their four goals was an own goal when former Manchester United defender Rafael attempted to intercept a cross, bound for an Angers striker, but unluckily steered it into his own net with faces of despair across his team. Thankfully, it didn’t take Lyon too long to regain their lead as MouctarDiakhaby arrowed in a header, and then just three minutes later Memphis Depay capitalized on the keeper fumbling the ball from a Ferland Mendy shot to make it 3:1 going into half-time.
Lyon was cruising and looking like the far likelier team to win, but a moment of insanity from the referee turned the game on its head. Centre-back Marcelo was initially given a yellow card after a challenge outside the box, which he briefly protested but quickly turned away, however, as he turned away he threw a hand up in frustration and knocked the yellow card out the referee’s hand. The referee took this as though Marcel purposely knocked it out of his hand and proceeded to take the red card out and rashly send the Lyon man down the tunnel, although on replay it seemed like an innocent act of frustration. At this point, Angers smelt blood and came forward in numbers, adding two goals to level the game. Lyon’s heads dropped and they were lucky to hold onto a point with a couple of late chance for Angers nearly saw them grab the win.
The seven-times league winners have now failed to win in their last five competitive games, and they have drawn their last three Ligue 1 games. Those draws have seen Lyon drop to eighth place which will be disappointing for the side and their fans considering their European ambitions, although they are still just three points off third place. That being said, a loss at home to Monaco, which is quite likely, may widen the gap.
Although it would be unfair to blame the Lyon players for the loss as they were simply unfortunate to be a man down, they lacked the tactical noose and experience required to maintain their lead. You could point towards the age of the squad, their average age is 23.8, and their oldest player being 30 years-old, Marcelo, who was sent off in their last game. Perhaps Lyon will have to look at getting a veteran into the side to help the younger members of the squad in situations like their last match.
Manager Bruno Génésio will is without central-midfielder Papa Cheikh through a sprained ankle while centre-back Marcelo will be out through suspension after his red card in his last match.
Monaco
The defending French champions failed to keep pace with the league leaders after they drew to Montpellier in their last match at home. Monaco never got into first gear throughout the game with Montpellier having most of the chances, and nearly even scoring through Pedro Mendes early on. Luckily for Monaco, they can always rely on in-form attacker Radamel Falcao to grab a goal, and as per usual, he scored in the 38th minute to give Monaco the lead and add his twelfth goal of the season. The goal came after Rony Lopes passed across the goal from the wing and Falcao had a simple finish, and although the keeper initially seemed to make an incredible save, goal-line technology revealed that the ball did indeed cross the line. Despite the goal, Monaco failed to impose themselves on the game and their lack of conviction was punished dramatically when Montpellier equalized with a powerful header.
It was a poor performance by Monaco, as they managed just one shot on target over the duration of the game. Perhaps the fact that they had to play midweek in the Champions League made things difficult, with some obviously tired legs on the pitch. Although, with the international break, Monaco should be fresh and ready for their next match which is the first of some tricky ties coming up.
Were it not for Falcao, Monaco would have likely lost as Montpellier battled and edged over the home side in every department. Manager Leonardo Jardim will have to address their over-reliance on Falcao and look for a plan B in case he is injured, especially when you realize that no other player has scored more than two goals in the Monaco side other than the Colombian, who has scored over half of their goals.
Manager Leonardo Jardim will have to contend with a number of injuries, with keeper Loic Badiashile (shoulder), left-back Julien Serrano (ankle), AdamaDiakhaby (back), Stevan Jovetic (wound) all out through injury, while winger Gabriel Boschilia is still not match fit. Defensive midfielder Fabinho will also be out through a yellow card suspension.
Lyon vs. Monaco – MATCH PREDICTION
Overall Monaco has the slightly better form and have an on-song striker in Falcao who is guaranteed to score at the moment. That being said Lyon has some players that can hurt any opponent such as Nabil Fekir and Mariano Diaz who have both been in excellent form, especially at home being unbeaten at the Groupama Stadium since 23rd of April, coincidentally when they lost to Monaco. It should be an eventful game with a load of goals, and I can’t separate the two sides at this current time, which is why I am taking the draw with the over.
MY PICK: Draw (+293)
Additional Pick: Over 3.5 goals (+114)
