Preview: Monaco host OL in high-stakes clash
On the penultimate matchday of Ligue McDonald's, most of the contenders for the European places are facing teams lower down the table -- with one exception, as AS Monaco host Olympique Lyonnais. Read on for our full preview of the Matchday 33 clash.
Limited options and hope for Biereth
Coming in to this match, Monaco will be confident of their home form (five wins and a draw from six matches), but leery of missing several key players. Folarin Balogun, only just back from a long-term injury and on the scoresheet last weekend, will miss out here with an ankle injury, while fellow goalscorer Al-Musrati also is unavailable, as is Aleksandr Golovin. A shred of hope remains though, as Mika Biereth, who had been forced off against Saint-Étienne last weekend, has been pronounced fit, and is expected to lead the line alongside Breel Embolo.
Speaking pre-match, Thilo Kehrer emphasized keeping a sense of steadiness ahead of the match, the defender saying, "We’re very focused; we know our strengths and our playing style. We’re preparing for the match down to the smallest detail with the right amount of concentration, but also with joy, because it’s important to maintain a sense of lightness." Monaco still control their own destiny for the top four, and know how crucial a win here will be.
Tomorrow is match day! 🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/t9gujkwj55
— Olympique Lyonnais 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@OL_English) May 9, 2025
Last chance saloon for Lyon
While Lyon have managed to post some impressive results, especially in the second half of the season -- see their win over LOSC Lille and a victorious trip to OGC Nice in March, they have been in a mighty spin of poor form of late. With only two wins in six in all competitions, Lyon have not only been eliminated (and ignominiously at that) from the Europa League, they could be left clutching at straws as they hope that Paris Saint-Germain can beat Stade de Reims in the Coupe de France final, ensuring that seventh place is good enough for the Europa Conference League next season.
Following last week's loss to Lens, things look dire indeed, and without the injured pair of Corentin Tolisso -- arguably Lyon's second-best player in the calendar year -- and winger Ernest Nuamah, interim manager Jorge Maciel can field a strong side, but is left with few attacking option on the bench should he be forced to call upon them. Despite Lyon's long odds for qualification, left back Nicolás Tagliafico was quick to remind the press of the finish to last season. The club snatched a win against Strasbourg with a stoppage time penalty, allowing them to earn a place in the Europa League, underscoring the proverbial importance of "playing to the whistle"
Said Tagliafico, As long things aren't settled mathematically, we have to try, to continue to believe. It's not just about us, but I remember the last season. We have to win and see what happens.” No longer in control of their own destiny, that may be true, but don't expect Lyon to give up so easily.
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