Lyon continue their late-season charge for Europe with a trip to the Stade Gabriel Montpied to face Clermont in Ligue 1 on Sunday.
Just six points separate the two clubs in what could potentially be a historical campaign for the hosts.
Match preview
© Reuters
For Clermont, form has come just a little too late for them to push for Europe, but that should not discredit what has been a fantastic season.
They are on course to make history by recording a first-ever top-half finish in Ligue 1, with just one point separating eighth and 11th, and Clermont by far the most in-form side out of those four sides.
Their 1-1 draw with Auxerre last week ended a five-game winning run, but another point has kept them in touch with those just above them.
However, a nine-point buffer to Lille in fifth means Europe is a distant reality for Clermont now.
Dreams of a top-half finish could be scuppered by their poor goal difference though, given how tight it is for those positions.
Only four teams in the whole division have scored fewer than Clermont's 37 goals, and they have not scored more than two in a match since the first week in October, despite winning 10 games since then.
Meanwhile, Lyon kept their European hopes alive with an astonishing victory over Montpellier last weekend.
© Reuters
Their 5-4 success at the Groupama Stadium saw them initially go 4-1 down thanks to Elye Wahi's quadruple, but Alexandre Lacazette responded with four goals of his own, including the match winner which came via a 99th-minute penalty.
That win means Lyon have now won five of their last six matches, closing the gap on Lille in fifth to just three points.
The pressure is on manager Laurent Blanc to chase Lille down though, as it is rumoured he may not keep his job should Lyon fail to qualify for Europe for a second season running.
Despite some early scepticism when he arrived shortly before the World Cup, Blanc has made Lyon a tough side to beat, as no team has lost fewer games since the midway point than OL.
Blanc will hope they can continue their superb away form to avenge the defeat they suffered in the reverse fixture at the start of 2023, as Lyon have taken 23 points from a possible 30 in their last 10 games on the road.
Team News
© Reuters
Mateusz Wieteska will remain out for Clermont because of suspension following his straight red card against Reims two weeks ago.
Former Lyon midfielder Maxime Gonalons will also be unavailable to face his former club due to a hamstring injury.
Lacazette will be the first name on the Lyon team sheet as the former French international now has 14 goals in his last 13 games.
He should be flanked by Bradley Barcola, who assisted him for three of his four goals against Montpellier.
Corentin Tolisso and Castello Lukeba are both back from suspension having missed the manic match against Montpellier, but Houssem Aouar is still doubtful due to illness.
Veteran defender Jerome Boateng remains sidelined for Lyon with a muscular injury.
Clermont possible starting lineup:
Diaw; Seidu, Ogier, Caufriez; Allevinah, Magnin, Gastien, Neto Borges; Khaoui, Kyei, Rashani
Lyon possible starting lineup:
Lopes; Gusto, Lovren, Lukeba, Tagliafico; Thiago Mendes, Tolisso, Caqueret; Cherki, Lacazette, Barcola
We say: Clermont 0-2 Lyon
Clermont have the chance to win four straight home games for the first time in over two years, but their solid defence will be put to the test here.
The form of Lacazette makes Lyon one of the most threatening sides in the division, and they could end Clermont's excellent run of form in this one.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
