Preview: Lyon vs Monaco, Lacazette returns for hotly-contested clash
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A simple look back in time tells you all you need to know about this fixture. Whenever Lyon and Monaco have faced each other in recent times it has always proved to be a recipe for fireworks on the pitch. It is in fact one of the most competitive contests in the history of Ligue 1 - Saturday afternoon's clash will be the 166th match between these two sides. Monaco edged the contest with 47 wins to Monaco's 47…
One of the most competitive Ligue 1 match-ups
But it will mean more than just statistics to both sides, with OL and ASM both quietly aiming for a top four finish this season. Yet the reality will be a quality early season test: Les Gones are hoping to bounce back from a heavy defeat to Rennes (3-0) on their opening day trip. Benjamin Bourigeaud opened the scoring before Amine Gouiri added a second only minutes later in the first half - as Henrik Meister grabbed a debut goal in injury time to cap off a far-from-ideal return to Ligue 1 for OL.
Meanwhile, Monaco had to see off a newly promoted AS Saint-Étienne in their opening fixture at Stade Louis II last weekend. In a game which saw three goals ruled out by VAR, Takumi Minamino's deft lob over Gautier Larsonneur was the decisive moment as Les Monégasques kicked off their Ligue 1 campaign with a win.
"He's a player that opponents fear," - Pierre Sage relishing Lacazette's return to Ligue 1 action
Alex Lacazette is set to return to Lyon's squad after being an integral part of France's Olympic campaign. “He brings leadership, both in the build-up to the match and during the match itself, as well as his qualities as a player," said OL manager Pierre Sage in his pre-match press conference on his star striker. "He's a player that opponents fear.”
“With the Olympic team, he played as a second striker, but defended as a holding midfielder, scoring individually from a defensive midfield position," added Sage on the former Arsenal man's versatility. "He's a player with a collective conscience. Alexandre can do anything as long as he gives meaning to things.”
Lyon -Monaco: predicted lineups
Otherwise, Monaco's goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki has suffered an ankle injury, which likely sees him out of action for up to two months. It's given an opportunity to German goalkeeper Phillip Köhn to retake the spot he lost midway through last season.
Adi Hütter has recently switched to a 4-4-2, hoping to pair strikers Folarin Balogun and Breel Embolo. He did, however, switch this against Saint-Étienne with the introduction of Maghnes Akliouche off the bench.
Lyon (OL) probable XI: Perri; Vinícius, Caleta-Car, Niakhaté, Mata; Tolisso, Caqueret, Matic; Benrahma, Lacazette, Mikautadze
AS Monaco (ASM) probable XI: Köhn; Jakobs, Kehrer, Salisu, Vanderson; Zakaria, Camara, Minamino, Ben Seghir; Embolo, Balogun.
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