Lyon v OM: Clash of the Titans

By: Richard | November 7th, 2009

Valbuena

It has been a big week for French football as two of the three Ligue 1 teams have secured their spot for the next round in the Champions League. With our own victory over Zurich hope is kept alive that we to will be able to celebrate in advancing to the final 16. Domestically our league campaign has been somewhat rocky. The fiasco of PSG (and their fans that wouldn’t go home), an unconvincing tie with Toulouse finds us in seventh place. Seven behind Bordeaux and five off from Lyon certainly a loss on Sunday could spell doom for our title aspirations.

Team news:

OM:
Lucho is still out so don’t expect him as well as Julien Rodriguez. Heinze now seems to be competing with Taiwo for the position of starting left back. To further complicate things we now have Diawara saying he prefers to play next to Hilton rather than Heinze. Personally I think this should be said in private between Diawara and Deschamps not in public. I just don’t see how this statement helps it would would create resentment between the two players. Imagine if Heinze said “I prefer when Diawara doesn’t get red cards in the Champions League.” In America we call that a dick move. Regardless of that up front we are looking at the usual suspects starting.

Possible eleven: Mandanda; Bonnart, Diawara, Hilton, Heinze/Taiwo; Mbia; Cheyrou, Abriel; Kone, Brandao, Niang. As always Sarah and I always hope to see a start from Valbuena or Ben Arfa.

Lyon:
Lyon certainly learned the meaning of physical play with their past match with Liverpool. Players likely to miss tomorrows game include Pjanic, Reveillere, Clerc, Anderson, Bodmer, and Boumsong. With so many strong players sidelined this weekend anything short of victory will be an utter disappointment. We have an extra day of rest on our side a healthier squad I mean if we cant beat a handicapped Lyon…

Possible Eleven: Lloris; Gassama, Cris, Toulalan, Cissokho; Makoun, Ederson, Kallstrom; Michel Bastos, Lisandro, Govou

Bottom Line: Last year I underestimated Lyon when they lost Benzema and Juninho yet they have reinvented themselves with key signings. Regardless of their injury problems they are still a strong side and will undoubtedly cause problems for our back four. I don’t want to see us tie like we did with Bordeaux we need this match to reaffirm our aspirations of winning the title. Our guys are rested up and more importantly healthy, no reason why we cant walk away with three points.

Side fact: You guys know I’m a critic of Brandao, well Sarah pointed out to me that in every game he’s scored OM have won. Well the streak continues with Zurich lets see if he can net one tomorrow.