Ligue 1 leaders, Lyon, will make a short trip to Annecy this Friday evening, as they prepare to take on struggling Evian TG.
Olympique Lyonnais
Les Gones are off to a flying start this season with two victories in two games so far. And the Rhone giants would be looking to make this their best start to a season in over three decades with a win in their next game of the 2012/2013 Ligue 1 campaign.
It was in 1981/1982 campaign when Olympique Lyonnais last won their opening three league matches. However, Remi Garde has played down the importance of such statistics and is looking forward to build a strong foundation for the remainder of the season.
The former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899 international stressed that being at the top is of no importance at this stage of the season. While talking to reporters, the Lyon coach expressed his delight at having six points from two games but is not getting carried away.
“It is merely anecdotal that we are top of the table because we are still a long way from the finish line. We have taken six points from two games and that must give us ideas and confidence in ourselves. It should especially give us the desire to keep our
run going for as long as possible. The longer we keep it going, the more meaning being top will carry," the club coach told reporters.
Les Gones have won all three previous meetings with Les Croix de Savoie and OL will head into this game in a confident mood.
Evian TG FC
Evian TG FC, on the other hand, are off to a worse possible start to the season. After going without a win in their pre-season, Les Roses are without a point after two games. A 3-2 defeat against Bordeaux in the opening match was followed by 1-0 thrashing
by the hands of Brest last week.
However, the coach, Pablo Correa, will be hoping for a better performance from his players this time as he prepares to take charge of his 250th Ligue 1 game on Friday.
The fact that Evian will face the league leaders, will work as a motivation for Pablo Correa’s side. And the coach is hopeful of a good showing from his players against Lyon at Parc des Sports this Friday evening.
“I can't control the result but I do know that my team will be mentally ready when it comes to taking the field,” the Uruguayan told reporters.
Team News
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Fabrice-Ehret-c13210 are both struggling from thigh injuries and are unavailable for the match. In addition to that, Harve Bugnet is also out with a calf injury.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Sidney-Govou-c33474 has returned to the Evian TG squad for the first time since rupturing his Achilles tendon in March.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Yoann-Gourcuff-c37416, who is expected to be on the sidelines for couple of months, after injuring his right knee against Troyes last week.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Valencia-c40863 this week.
Prediction
If we look at the two teams, Lyon are the clear favourites for the match, although Evian TG have a chance to cause an upset. Remi Garde would want another comprehensive victory from his side as they seek to rival Paris Saint-Germain for Championelle glory
this season.
Predicted final score
Evian TG FC 1-2 Olympique Lyonnais
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