Olympique Lyon
vs
Olympique Marseille
Kick-off
20:00 GMT
17 December 2017
With the Ligue 1 winter break less than a week, this weekend sees the penultimate round of fixtures and the pick of the games sees the two former title rivals battling it out. Lyon host Marseille in a game that would have had a major impact on what happened at the top of the table. Both teams are in the top four level on points with Lyon ahead in 3rd with a superior goal difference.
In fixtures between Marseille and Lyon in recent years, we have struggled to find a winner on several occasions. In the last six meetings in all competitions, there have been five draws with the win coming in the most recent league match. Two goals from Alexandre Lacazette handed Lyon the three points in a 3-1 win. There have been two goalless draws in the last five in the league with the other three seeing goals from both sides.
With a game-in-hand over Monaco, who are second, Lyon can go level on points with them if they beat Marseille. A win by three or more goals would take Lyon second. Their only absence is Bertrand Traore who is out with a twisted knee. Latest matches: Olympique Lyon
13.12.2017
Coup
Montpellier HSC
Olympique Lyon
4:1
L
10.12.2017
Ligu
SC Amiens
Olympique Lyon
1:2
W
07.12.2017
UEFA
Atalanta Bergamasca
Olympique Lyon
1:0
L
03.12.2017
Ligu
SM Caen
Olympique Lyon
1:2
W
29.11.2017
Ligu
Olympique Lyon
Lille OSC
1:2
L
Marseille can also go level on points with Monaco with a win but they can’t overtake the champions due to their inferior goal difference. Their absences include Boubacar Kamara who has a sprained ankle and Gregory Sertic, who will miss out with a knee problem. Latest matches: Olympique Marseille
13.12.2017
Coup
Stade Rennes
Olympique Marseille
6:5
L
10.12.2017
Ligu
Olympique Marseille
AS Saint Etienne
3:0
W
07.12.2017
UEFA
Olympique Marseille
RB Salzburg
0:0
D
03.12.2017
Ligu
Montpellier HSC
Olympique Marseille
1:1
D
29.11.2017
Ligu
FC Metz
Olympique Marseille
0:3
W
While this game has lost its edge as Monaco and PSG have taken over as the two French giants, there is still a lot on the line. Both sides will go into the match confident of taking all three points and Lyon are very slight favourites purely because of their home advantage. A draw is a real possibility but I think either side could nick it with a single goal, it won’t be a game that’s full of goals.
17 December 2017 - 20:00 GMT
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