Lyon's Hunt for First Points: Can They Conquer Strasbourg?

Lyon, still searching for their first points of the season, face a tough test on Friday when they host Strasbourg at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais in their third Ligue 1 match.

The hosts have endured a disastrous start, failing to score a single goal in their opening two defeats, while the visitors remain undefeated with a draw and a win.

A Difficult Start for Lyon

Lyon, who endured a dreadful start last season, would have been hoping for a more positive beginning to the 2024-25 campaign. After a remarkable turnaround under manager Pierre Sage, who took charge in November and guided the team from the bottom of the table to a respectable sixth-place finish, there was a sense of optimism around the club.

Significant summer spending, exceeding £100 million, added to the feeling that Lyon were ready to challenge. However, a 3-0 defeat to Rennes in their opening game, followed by a 2-0 home loss to AS Monaco, has left them with zero points and in 17th place.

Sage will be keen to avoid a repeat of last season's disastrous start and secure their first win. But facing Strasbourg, who are in good form, presents a significant hurdle.

Strasbourg's Strong Start

Strasbourg, under new manager Liam Rosenior, have made a promising start to the season. Following a disappointing end to last season and a lacklustre pre-season, their 3-1 victory over Rennes in their second match has provided a much-needed boost.

Rosenior will be aiming to maintain this positive momentum and move Strasbourg further up the table after a couple of seasons battling relegation.

Team News and Line-Ups

Lyon will be without Ernest Nuamah, who suffered an injury in their recent defeat to Monaco, and Nicolas Tagliafico, who is sidelined with a calf problem. Sage will look to summer signing Georges Mikautadze, who scored 13 goals in 20 Ligue 1 appearances last season, and Alexandre Lacazette, who scored 22 goals across all competitions in 2023-24, to provide the goalscoring threat. Nemanja Matic could also return to the starting lineup to add defensive solidity.

Strasbourg will be without Milos Lukovic, Dion Sahi and Thomas Delaine, all expected to return in September. Rosenior is likely to field a similar team to the one that defeated Rennes.

Predicted Outcome

Despite Lyon's poor start, their squad boasts enough quality to challenge Strasbourg. However, the visitors' recent form and positive momentum make them a tough opponent. A closely fought draw seems the most likely outcome.

Possible Starting Lineups

Lyon: Perri; Mata, Caleta-Car, Niakhate, Maitland-Niles; Matic, Caqueret; Benrahma, Fofana; Mikautadze, Lacazette

Strasbourg: Johnsson; Doue, Sow, Sylla; Bakwa, Santos, Doukoure, Wiley; Diarra; Moreira, Emegha

Prediction: Lyon 1-1 Strasbourg