Rudi Garcia’s men take on Remi Garde’s side in Week 6 of the 2012/2013 Ligue 1 Championnat with the home side looking to shake off an indifferent start to the domestic and European campaign
The new stadium jinx and the Belarusian whipping
Since moving in to the Grand Stade Metropole, Ligue 1 giants, LOSC Lille have not managed to register a single win at home this season in the league with the only win coming in the Champions League playoff tie against FC Kobenhaven.
And, after a miserable opening day defeat in the Champions League against Belarusian minnows BATE Borisov, Les Dogues would be looking to return to winning ways when they host http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Olympique-Lyonnais-c40130 this Sunday.
In the wake of a poor start to the season, the excitement and anticipation that came with the opening of their beautiful new season has quickly dissipated. In their opening five Ligue 1 encounters, Rudi Garcia’s men have won just twice and are already nine
points behind thus far invincibles, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Olympique-de-Marseille-c40127.
Last weekend, Lille simply threw points in the 1-1 draw against ESTAC Troyes. And to top it off, Lille lost 3-1 to BATE Borisov at home in a game which they chased 3-0 at half-time. Things are not looking good for the northerners and it appears that the
Lyon game has come a little too early for them.
In their last home game in the league, Lille lost 2-1 to Paris Saint-Germain so a reaction is required against a Lyon side that has not been able to win against the Great Danes since March 2008.
After the BATE Borisov humbling, captain http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Rio-Mavuba-c31174 was shell-shocked and admitted that the team lacked aggression, desire and commitment. Although Lille did manage to conjure up some pride in the second half, it was a little too late.
The defeat against BATE means that the home side will not be favourites against Lyon and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Dimitri-Payet-c11276 feels that his side can creep up with a pleasant surprise nonetheless.
“Defeat is forbidden. If we manage to start the game well and play like we did in the second period against BATE, then maybe we will have a pleasant surprise.”
Buoyant Lyon arrive
Lyon on the other hand, arrive in the Villeneuve D’Ascq in a very confident mood. Remi Garde’s charges have thus far won four and drawn one of their opening Ligue 1 games. As things stand, Les Gones are just two points behind Marseille who have made a perfect
start to the Championnat.
After beating Ajaccio 2-0 at home last weeks, Lyon defeated Czech giants Sparta Prague 2-1 at the Stade de Gerland. Garde admitted that the team’s performance has impressed him as they played against a good side.
Everything worked out well for Lyon that night apart from a horrible injury to left-back, Dabo. The former Seville man had to spend a night in the hospital after taking a pretty bad blow to the head in the game and is out for the game against Lille.
Team news
Lille
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Marvin-Martin-c24496 is out for three weeks after injuring his left adductor against BATE Borisov.
Lyon
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899 after suffering a head injury in the 2-1 win over Sparta Prague.
Predictions
A year back, one could have called the game a close one. However, judging by the way Lille have fared so far, it seems that Lyon are set to rack up another win which will further grow their momentum and confidence.
Predicted finals score: Lille 1-2 Lyon
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