Ligue 1 | Gameweek 13

Dec 1, 2024 at 4pm UK

Parc Olympique Lyonnais

Lyonvs.Nice

Match preview

The biggest news about Lyon right now is the provisional demotion to Ligue 2 and transfer ban announced by France's Direction Nationale du Controle de Gestion.

Lyon still have time to sort things out by selling players, but they're running out of time to avoid dropping down to Ligue 2. That's going to happen no matter what.

Despite the challenges, manager Pierre Sage's team currently holds the spot for France's UEFA Conference League qualification and has only lost one of their last 12 matches across all competitions. However, they have only won two of their last six.

In Ligue 1, Les Gones have done a bit better, winning four of their last seven games. They played out a disappointing 1-1 draw with eighth-placed Reims last time out, though.

In that game, Lyon had a strong 59% possession and took the lead through a first-half header from Rayan Cherki. However, they eventually gave up the lead early in the second half when Oumar Diakite scored from close range following a corner.

This weekend, boss Sage will be eager to beat Nice in what could be described as a 'six-pointer' for the European qualification spots, especially given Nice's extensive injury list. However, it's worth noting that Lyon have scored the joint-fewest goals in France's top six, as well as conceding the joint-most.

Three points on Sunday would be a big boost for Lyon, especially with the second half of the season likely to be a challenge after they have to sell their players in the January transfer window.

Nice manager Franck Haise is also in charge of a club with an interesting off-field story this season, though it's not quite as damaging as Lyon's potential demotion.

Haise joined Les Aiglons this summer, along with sporting director Florian Maurice. With the club's links to Ineos and Manchester United part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, this period of change at Nice has attracted attention.

Haise, who used to manage RC Lens, has got his current team in a Europa League spot in Ligue 1. They've not lost any of their last eight league games, winning four and drawing four.

However, in their last game, Nice lost 4-1 at home in the Europa League against Rangers. Haise said that the injury crisis is affecting the team's performance.

Recent Performance

Lyon Ligue 1 form:WWDDWD

Lyon form (all competitions):DDDWDW

Nice Ligue 1 form:DDWWDW

Nice form (all competitions):WWDDWL

Team News

Lyon manager Sage will be without goalkeeper Anthony Lopes and young midfielder Amadou Diawara for Nice's visit this weekend.

However, we can expect to see the reliable Alexandre Lacazette and the exciting Cherki in the starting line-up for Lyon.

As for Nice, captain and versatile defensive player Youssouf Ndayishimiye was withdrawn with an injury against Rangers and it's not yet clear whether he'll be fit for Sunday's clash.

With so many players out with injuries, Haise might decide to start Tom Louchet and Melvin Bard at full-back, but he'll still be without Terrem Moffi and Morgan Sanson.

Nice are also unsure about the fitness of Mohamed Abdelmonem, Antoine Mendy, Jonathan Clauss, Ali Abdi and Victor Orakpo ahead of their trip to Lyon.

Possible starting lineup

Lyon possible starting lineup:

Perri; Maitland-Niles, Caleta-Car, Niakhate, Tagliafico; Veretout, Matic, Tolisso; Cherki, Lacazette, Fofana

Nice possible starting lineup:

Bulka; Louchet, Bombito, Dante, Bard; Boudaoui, Rosario, Diop; Cho, Guessand, Boga