Lyon vs Marseille Prediction & Betting Tips (4 February)

Will Olympique Lyonnais go down to the 2nd division at the end of the season? Unthinkable even a year ago, this scenario no longer seems so improbable since the Rhone club is still in 16th position in the ranking after 19 days and is therefore a virtual roadblock. If it has the same number of points as the first relegation, the club with 7 French championship titles gleaned in the 2000s has fallen back into a new negative spiral after having experienced an improvement in December. Beaten in Le Havre 3-1, the Gones were again dominated last week by Stade Rennais despite a good reaction in the second half 2-3. On the other hand, they have done the job so far in the Coupe de France and they will face Lille next week in the 1/8th final. Opposite, OM are also going through a slightly complicated period but in no way comparable to that experienced by his opponent of the day.

The Marseille club does not have to fear for its survival in this championship but it is not in a very good position to return to Europe next season since it is only in 7th position in the ranking with still 3 units behind the top 5. Quite diminished recently by injuries and departures for the CAN, the Olympians still managed to limit the damage with draws against Strasbourg 1-1 and Monaco 2-2 despite their numerical superiority for almost 80 minutes. On the other hand, unlike the Gones, the Marseillais saw their journey in the Coupe de France end against Rennes, on penalties, 15 days ago.

Midfielder Lepenant must still be patient in the infirmary at the moment. On the other hand, Pierre Sage recovers senior defender Caleta-Car who was suspended during his team's last two matches. During the winter transfer window, the leaders did not wish to retain the little used Kadewere (Nantes, loan), the replacement goalkeeper Riou (Paris FC) and the winger Jeffinho (Botafogo, loan). On the other hand, they were able to attract attackers Malick Fofana and Orban (La Gantoise) and goalkeeper Lucas Perri and defender Adryelson both arrived from Botafogo. Despite his team's difficulties, Alexandre Lacazette remains a formidable scorer and the former Gunner scored his 9th goal of the season during the defeat against Rennes. Still in contention in the CAN until the start of the week, the Moroccans Ounahi and Harit and the Senegalese Ndiaye, Sarr and Gueye could make their return. They remain uncertain. On the other hand, the Congolese Mbemba is still in the running. Cameroonian substitute goalkeeper Ngapandouetnbu is back after being eliminated while his compatriot, Mughe, who refused his selection, has been banned from playing at club level for the entire competition.

Midfielder Rongier is still recovering, as are left-back Murillo and young midfielder Nadir. They were joined on the flank by French international full-back Clauss. Executive defender Gigot is back after being suspended. Offensively, the experienced Aubameyang is operational and he scored his 6th goal in Ligue 1 last week. He has 14 goals and 7 assists in all competitions. This winter, the Phocaeans recorded the reinforcements of defensive midfielder Jean Onana (Besiktas), left back Ulysses Garcia (Young Boys), returning Luis Henrique and Cameroonian striker Moumbagna (Bodo/Glimt) who could make his first appearance eliminated from the CAN. In the opposite direction, left back Renan Lodi left for Saudi Arabia. The disappointing Vitinha could join Genoa.