Unless something changes quickly, Lyon will miss out on European football for next season. Les Gones are eighth in the league’s standings ahead of Friday night’s trip to Lorient.
The hosts are down the table and just above the relegation zone. Lorient are currently 16th with 24 points from 26 games in the division. They are unbeaten in three of the last four games in Ligue 1 and confidence should be high that a result can be gained versus Lyon.
⚽️ | 𝗙𝗖 𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 - 𝗢𝗹𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝗟𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗶𝘀🚪| Ouverture des portes 19h30 🤹♀️🍟 Corners du Moustoir et animations pour bien préparer la rencontre ! pic.twitter.com/OpxeIQwjIg— FC LORIENT 🐟 (@FCLorient) March 2, 2022
⚽️ | 𝗙𝗖 𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 - 𝗢𝗹𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝗟𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗶𝘀🚪| Ouverture des portes 19h30 🤹♀️🍟 Corners du Moustoir et animations pour bien préparer la rencontre ! pic.twitter.com/OpxeIQwjIg
Lyon are just four points off of the top four. An improved run of form for coach Peter Bosz’s team could achieve Europa League football for next term.
Speaking of the Europa League, Lyon will play FC Porto on Thursday in the tournament’s last 16. It is a difficult tie for Les Gones.
Lorient took seven points from the last 18 points available in Ligue 1. Scoring was an issue for Lorient as just six goals were scored and eight conceded to opponents. Lorient have scored Ligue 1’s fewest goals with a mere 21.
Lyon took 10 points from the last 18 points possible in the division. Scoring was a problem for Les Gones as well. They scored six times while allowing five goals to their last six opponents.
In the reverse fixture, the Ligue 1 rivals drew 1-1. Lorient opened the scoring through Armand Laurient in the 20th minute. His goal came just six minutes after Lyon’s Emerson was sent off with a straight red card. Karl Toko Ekambi scored a 50th minute goal for Lyon to draw level.
Lorient coach Christophe Pelissier will be without Julien Laporte due to a suspension. He could have forward Stephane Diarra available following a thigh injury. In addition, midfielder Fabien Lemoine could return from a calf issue.
Bosz has four players on the injury list. Goalkeeper Julian Pollersbeck has an illness and is a doubt. Midfielder Mathis Rayan Cherki is ruled out with a broken foot. Defender Jason Denayer has an ankle injury and is a doubt. Forward Lenny Pintor is a doubt with a knee injury.
Lyon are unbeaten in three straight games against Lorient. They are four points off of the top four and must win to keep pace with their European qualification rivals.
Les Gones should pick up a win at Lorient to improve their chances of qualifying for Europe for next season. Six of the teams’ last 10 matches in all competitions finished with under 2.5 goals. Friday’s game should once again end with under 2.5 goals as Lyong win at full-time.