After a two-week break from competitive action, Lyon plays their second Ligue 1 game against Troyes at the Groupama Stadium on Friday evening, with kickoff at 10 pm.
Due to soaring temperatures and drought gripping the continent, not even top-flight football is safe from the effects of the prolonged heat.
Lyon’s showdown with Lorient at the Stade du Moustoir was postponed due to an unplayable pitch. Peter Bosz’s side has had a fortnight to reflect on and analyze their opening 2-1 success over newly-promoted Ajaccio on matchday one.
Although Anthony Lopes’s sending off complicated matters for Les Gones, Alexandre Lacazette came up with a goal and assisted in helping get his side over the line. Laying the ball on a plate for Tete to fire home before netting from 12 yards himself – and 10 men of Lyon held on after Thomas Mangani scored from 12 yards himself.
Troyes gave Montpellier HSC a real run for their money in the opening weekend, but ESTAC was torn to shreds by Toulouse last time.
Yasser Larouci’s own goal broke the deadlock in the first half before Rafael Ratao was on hand to tap home, double Toulouse’s lead in the 54th minute, and substitute Rhys Healey put the cherry on the icing on the cake with a stunning solo effort in the dying embers.
Lyon vs. Troyes Head to Head
Both sides have nine games against each other, with hosts taking all wins while visitors winless. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Lyon 2-1 AC Ajaccio
- Inter 2-2 Lyon
- Feyernoord 0-2 Lyon
- Willem II Tiburg 5-0 Lyon
Away
- Troyes 0-3 Toulouse
- Montpellier 3-2 Troyes
- AJ Auxerre 1-0 Troyes
- Troyes 3-0 Le Havre
Lyon Team News
Anthony Lopes will be unavailable for Lyon’s next three matches following his red card against Ajaccio. Remy Riou is expected to start in goal against Saint-Etienne this weekend, with Maxence Caqueret possibly returning to the starting lineup in place of Houssem Aouar, who is reportedly close to signing with Nottingham Forest.
Troyes Team News
Troyes’ Adil Rami and Tristan Dingome came on as substitutes against Toulouse after recovering from injuries, while Abdu Conte’s muscular problem still grieves him. Troyes coach Christophe Irles should consider starting Rami from the first whistle on Friday night, potentially in place of Jackson Porozo, who did not even last an hour on matchday two.
Prediction and Odds
Lyon is certainly prone to the odd defensive error, and Troyes should fancy their chances of scoring against Lopes, who is suspended for this game.
- Home Win
- Goals Over 2.5
- No Score: Away
