OL coach Pierre Sage has planned a surprise in his starting eleven against Strasbourg on Friday.
Olympique Lyonnais host Strasbourg on Friday evening, to open the third day of Ligue 1. An opportunity for the Gones to get back on track after two consecutive defeats against Rennes (3-0) and Monaco (0-2). With this no less important stake, Pierre Sage had to make some adjustments to his line-up against the Alsatians this evening. The French coach also has a big surprise in store in his eleven.
OL must react
OL are already struggling after just two Ligue 1 games. With a 17e place and zero points on the counter, the Rhone club will have to quickly get back on track in order not to relive the ordeal of last season. Lyon should therefore take advantage of its second home match to rediscover what made it strong during the return phase of the previous campaign. Thus, Pierre Sage has decided to sound the revolt with big changes and a huge surprise in his eleven against Strasbourg, this evening.
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No changes in defense
As usual, OL should play in a 4-2-3-1 formation against the Alsatians this Friday. In goal, Lucas Perri should hold his place as well as the entire defensive line. Thus, the central hinge should be composed of Duje Caleta-Car and Moussa Niakhaté. On the right, Clinton Mata should continue at the expense of Ainsley Maitland-Niles while the left corridor should be occupied by Abner Vinicius.
Pierre Sage’s Surprise
It was in midfield that Pierre Sage reserved the big surprise of his eleven. OL’s latest recruit, Tanner Tessmann should be lined up from the start against Strasbourg. The American midfielder should be associated with Nemanja Matic in front of the defense. Further up, Said Benrahma should occupy the playmaker position. Thus, Malick Fofana and Georges Mikautadze should take both sides of the attack. The latter will support Alexandre Lacazette, lined up at the forefront.
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OL’s expected line-up against Strasbourg
Perri – Mata, Caleta-Car, Niakhaté, Abner – Tessmann, Matic – Mikautadze, Benrahma, M. Fofana – Lacazette