Lyon vs Manchester City - Competition: UEFA Champions League (Group F)
Olympique Lyon team are still unbeaten in UCL. After a surprising away win
at Man City (1-2), the drew all the following three fixtures -
2-2 at home against Shakhtar Donetsk, 3-3 and 2-2 in the double
challenge with Hoffenheim. Bruno Genesio's men will be disappointed they
are not in a stronger position to progress already. Domestically, they
lie second in Ligue 1 but are 15 points behind runaway leaders PSG. Lyon
laboured to a 1-0 win over local rivals St Etienne in the league on
Friday night and kept a clean sheet after conceding 9 goals in the last 5
outings.
There are concerns about Nabil Fekir’s physical condition, but Lyon’s top player should be fit to make the starting line-up here. Bruno Genesio is likely to start with Memphis Depay in attack, however Moussa Dembele is pushing for a start. Bertrand Traorè and Houssem Aouar are expected to complete the offensive midfield trio behind the Dutchman. Ex-City defender Jason Denayer is expected to retain his place in a four-man backline for this daunting test, alongside full back Kenny Tetè and Ferland Mendy, and centre back Marcelo. In midfield, Lucas Tousart should partner Tanguy Ndombele.
There are concerns about Nabil Fekir’s physical condition, but Lyon’s top player should be fit to make the starting line-up here. Bruno Genesio is likely to start with Memphis Depay in attack, however Moussa Dembele is pushing for a start. Bertrand Traorè and Houssem Aouar are expected to complete the offensive midfield trio behind the Dutchman. Ex-City defender Jason Denayer is expected to retain his place in a four-man backline for this daunting test, alongside full back Kenny Tetè and Ferland Mendy, and centre back Marcelo. In midfield, Lucas Tousart should partner Tanguy Ndombele.
Man City team need need a point to progress to the next round with one game to spare as they lead the group with nine points from their opening four fixtures. They currently are six points clear of third placed Hoffenheim while Lyon trail them by three points. The Citizens lost the reverse fixture back in August, as Lyon upset the English champions at Etihad Stadium (1-2). Since then, Pep Guardiola's men have beaten Hoffenheim (2-1) and Shakhtar twice (3-0 and 6-0). Saturday's 4-0 thrashing of West Ham in Premier League means that Manchetser City top the EPL standings with a 11W 2D 0L record. It was the eighth consecutive victory for Pep Guardiola’s machinery.
Kevin De Bruyne remains absent for City due to the ligament damage sustained few weeks ago. Bernardo Silva is a doubt after missing Saturday's game, meaning that Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling are favourite to flank Gabriel Jesus upfront, since Sergio Aguero is likely to be benched this time. Leroy Sanè provide a further offensive option. Fernandinho and David Silva loo sure starters in the middle of the park, with Fabian Delph and youngster Phil Foden in contention for the remaining berth. Delph could be also used at left back as Benjamin Medy will miss 2-3 months due to injury. John Stones was rested over the weekend and he appears certain to reclaim his place in the heart of the back four, either alongside Aymeric Laporte or possible Vincent Kompany.
Date: 27 November 2018
Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT - 8pm GMT - 3pm ET
Venue: Stade des Lumieres
Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT - 8pm GMT - 3pm ET
Venue: Stade des Lumieres