French Ligue 1 preview: Monaco v Lyon – February 4 – Stade Louis II
Just 1 point separates the two teams as they prepare for a Sunday showdown at the Stade Louis II. Visitors Lyon have the psychological upper-hand having beaten Monaco in a French Cup outing in as recently as 24 January. This came on the back of a tremendous run of form that saw the club met out a seemingly invincible Paris Saint Germain a 2-1 defeat a fortnight ago. Last Sunday’s 1-3 loss to Bordeaux broke Lyon’s dream run of 2018, but despite that they still are on the 2nd spot of the Ligue 1 table.
Last year’s League champions, Monaco, are nowhere near their previous best, having lost the cream of their players to other clubs in the 2017-18 season. Although they started the year well with two consecutive victories, they have managed to eke out just a solitary win from their following five outings. Monaco were unlucky not to have won in a 2-2 draw against Marseille last week, thanks a poor refereeing decision, that would have otherwise vaulted them from their present 4th spot to the 2nd on the Ligue 1 points table.
After being eliminated by Lyon in the Coup De France clash, coach Leonardo Jardim switched from 4-4-2 formation to a 4-2-3-1 with mid-fielder Youri Tielemans playing behind strikers Falcao and Keita Balde in the Marseilles game bearing better results. Tielemans will have the support of Moutinho, the talented Thomas Lemar and Fabinho in the midfield while the likes of Almamy Toure, Kamil Glik, Jemerson and Djibril Sidibe will bring up the defense. The veteran Danijel Subasic will obviously man the goal posts. Expect Jardim to maintain the same formation he did against Marseille for the weekend’s showdown with Lyon.
Lyon forward’s Mariano, Nabil Fekir and mid-fielders Tanguy N’Dombele and Lucas Tousart who all looked so impressive in their win over PSG were ineffective in last weekend’s loss to Bordeaux. Bruno Genesio who so successfully adapted the 4-2-3-1 formation in his earlier wins will probably go into Sunday night’s clash at the Stade Louis II with the same that will have Mariano as the lone striker with Houssem Aouar, Fekir and Bertrand Traore behind him. The defense will be in the hands of Ferland Mendy, Jeremy Morel, Mouctar Diakhaby, Kenny Tete and Anthony Lopes keeping the goal.
Monaco have won just one of their previous five meetings with Lyon and lost the remaining four. But despite Monaco’s poor recent form, bookmakers are probably factoring in their home advantage to give them the slightest of edges in February 4th’s crucial Ligue 1 showdown. But Lyon, with four wins out of their last six games and a good history against Monaco behind them, have the momentum going into the weekend outing.
Free Football Betting Tip:
Monaco to WIN, Best odds 2.4 @ Betway
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