Les Gones take on Les Atheniens at Stade de Gerland, this Saturday, with both sides looking to continue their fine start to the 2012/2013 Ligue 1 campaign.
With 7 points from the opening three games of the season, both teams would want to take maximum points from this game. However, if we look at the history, the visitors will find it very difficult to take anything from the game.
Olympique Lyonnais
Despite selling their number one goalkeeper, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786, the Rhone giants are hopeful that they can deal with that loss.
Remi Garde’s side trails leaders, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Olympique-de-Marseille-c40127, by two points and will look to top the table, with Les Phoceens not playing until Sunday.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mouhamadou-Dabo-c26889, is hopeful that his side can collect all three points from the game but is not taking anything for granted. The full-back added that their opponents are a dangerous side and they are capable of beating any side on their day.
However, Les Gones have the ability to counter that threat and Dabo is looking forward to the weekend encounter at Stade de Gerland.
"Our start to the season has been very positive and has given us plenty of confidence before facing Valenciennes. I am not surprised by the fact that we have taken seven points from our three games. The coach keeps us on our guard. Valenciennes are determined,
compact, and are a threat on the break. "
Valenciennes FC
The club from the north are enjoying their best start to a season since their return to the top tier of the French football, with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Daniel-c9879 Sanchez’s side sitting comfortably at the third position in the Ligue 1.
However, Les Atheniens have won just twice in 29 visits to Stade de Gerland, and that is something, the French club would want to change this time around.
And Valenciennes’ Nicolas Isimat-Mirin has the same thing on his mind. The young defender wants to end their poor run against Les Gones and is optimistic about his side’s chances against the Rhone giants on Saturday.
"Last season, our results away from home damaged us. This year, we are all desperate to do much better on our travels. We have started well, but the coach is keeping us on our toes in the hope that we can keep the run going.
History
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Olympique-Lyonnais-c40130 boast an amazing home record against the visitors in the top flight. Both sides have met 29 times at Stade de Gerland, with Les Gones winning 16 of those encounters. Valenciennes have won only couple of games, and 11 games have ended in
a draw.
Team News
Olympique Lyonnais
Lyon’s latest signing, Milan Bisevac, is available for the match but he will probably start from the bench.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Yoann-Gourcuff-c37416 is out for at least couple of months following the injury to his knee that he sustained against Troyes two weeks ago.
In addition to that, Lisandro http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Clément-Grenier-c9353 could return after missing the last game against Evian TG.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Valenciennes-FC-c40865
Benjamin Brou is still recovering from a thigh injury and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Francis-c13946 Massampu are also on the sidelines.
However, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Rudy-Mater-c31890 could return for the match after recovering from the injuries.
Final Prediction
Lyon 2-1 Valenciennes
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