Big Game Focus: Olympique Lyon v Olympique Marseille

 

Olympique Lyon host Olympique Marseille in the Coupe de France quarter-finals tonight looking to end a three-game winless run. Marseille are in the form of their lives. They are unbeaten since October. Can they heap more pain on their hosts? Here’s the Big Game Focus. Bet on the game here. 

Although it seemed that Lyon were finding their groove in the last few weeks, a three-game winless streak has taken them a few steps back. Before that poor run, Rudi Garcia’s men were unbeaten in nine games, a run that saw them register seven wins. A place in the top four is definitely within their reach in Ligue 1 but they need consistency. They have won just two Coupe de France titles in this Millenium, therefore a run to the final would be ideal.

Despite being 12 points behind Ligue 1 leaders PSG, Olympique Marseille are having a terrific season. Since losing to Monaco in the Coupe de la Ligue in October, André Villas-Boas’ men have not tasted defeat. Villas-Boas has breathed new life into Marseille, a team that finished ninth last season, 30 points behind the mighty Paris Saint-Germain. Can he lead them to cup success?

Betting preview

Marseille come into this game in good shape. In fact, they’re in very good form. They’ve not lost since October, going 16 games unbeaten, while they’ve won three of their last four on the road. Lyon have lost two of their last three games in Ligue 1. For that reason, you can back an Olympique Marseille Double Chance at odds of 1.70. 

Four of Lyon’s last five games in all competitions have seen at least three goals. Three of Marseille’s last five games in this competition have seen three or more goals scored. The last four games between these two sides have seen Over 2.5 Goals. You can back Over 2.5 Goals at odds of 1.75. 

Both teams have found the net in four of the last six meetings between these two rivals. Both teams have scored in three of Lyon’s last five home games. You can back Both Teams to Score at odds of 1.75.

Team news

For Lyon, Memphis Depay is out for the remainder of the season with a serious knee injury, while Youssouf Kone, Oumar Solet and Jeff Reine-Adelaide are still on the treatment table. Leo Dubois returned to first-team training last week and might be involved tonight.

Dario Benedetto and Florian Thauvin will be unavailable for Marseille through injury.

Possible line-ups

Lyon: Tatarusanu, Rafael, Marcelo, Andersen, Marcal, Tousart, Lucas, Cherki, Traore, Aouar, Dembele

Marseille: Mandanda, Sarr, Gonzalez, Caleta-Car, Amavi, Lopez, Kamara, Strootman, Payet, Germain, Radonjic