Lyon-Lille: last year, this match was decisive for the classification of the two clubs in Ligue 1 (Lille victory 3-2 during the 34th day). But the two played at the top of the table, LOSC had finished champion, Lyon 4th. This Sunday, February 27, Lille travels to Lyon for the 26th day of Ligue 1. The two teams are 8 and 10 points from the podium and the meeting could be decisive for the end of the season.
The statement: “We have quite similar paths”
Lille and Lyon, here are two very serious candidates for qualification in the Champions League who find themselves 8th and 10th in the standings. “Over the season, both teams dropped points, recognizes the Lille coach, Jocelyn Gourvennec. They are behind in terms of places in the standings, but not points. So we’re still in the fight.”
Lyon is a big team. We have quite similar backgrounds – Jocelyn Gourvennec
Tonight’s meeting could therefore be expensive. If they win, LOSC will come back ahead of OL, by one point. But a defeat and the Lyonnais would take a five-point lead over the Mastiffs. The podium, therefore the Champions League, would remain at 10 units. Twelve games from the end of the season, it’s not fatal, but it’s starting to get seriously complicated.
The Lille coach believes that his team is capable of transcending itself at the end of the season. For that, you have to stay in the race. “For us as for them, the objective is to make a great end to the season to get closer to the leading clubs.”
We were late, they were late. And we are working to fill that – Jocelyn Gourvennec
Player to watch: Hatem Ben Arfa
In the absence of Burak Yilmaz, not in the group, embarrassed with the adductors, the former Lyonnais could be a starter for the second time since his arrival at LOSC. Faced with the club that saw him hatch, one of his most successful opponents (6 wins in 12 games, 2 goals, 1 assist), he could finally launch his Lille career, he who has not still marked in its new colors. (He still delivered an assist in 107 minutes played. It was against PSG).
The stat: LOSC are less effective in front of goal
“We create fewer situations for ourselves than we have been able to do in the still recent past, recognizes the coach of the Mastiffs. We are preparing pretty well but we are having trouble in the last 20 meters.” he specifies.
It weighs on the offensive record. In the first eight games of the year, Lille scored 8 goals. Against 15 in the last eight games of 2022. Top scorer in Ligue 1 during the break, Jonathan David has not scored since.
The composition “France Bleu Nord”: Ben Arfa holder?
Jardim – Gudmundsson, Botman, Fonte, Celik – Bamba, Xeka, Onana, Sanches – David, Ben Arfa
Yusuf Yazici in Russia: LOSC is keeping an eye on the situation
The sports world was turned upside down by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. While some exiled footballers in Ukraine have asked for help to return, the Turk is in Russia which is less of a concern. However, he is still under contract with LOSC, who say they are ready to help him.
“We haven’t had any news but we hope to have some very soon, recognized the Lille coach, Jocelyn Gourvennec, this Saturday, February 26. He’s our player even if he’s on loan and, obviously, we have to stay very close to him. We do not know the current situation. If there are things to do so that we can help him, we will do it.”