Lyon seeks revival as Lorient visits Groupama.

Lyon continued their frustrating run of form [LDDLD] last weekend after playing out a goalless draw against Angers, a result that leaves them sixth in Ligue 1 with 48 points [14W, 6D, 8L]. The stalemate extended OL’s competitive winless streak to nine matches [0W, 5D, 4L], putting them on the brink of an unwanted milestone—ten games without victory for only the fourth time in the club’s history. With the club record standing at 11 matches without a win, the campaign could yet take a disappointing turn for Les Gones, whose hopes of returning to the UEFA Champions League for the first time since the 2019/20 season appear to be fading week by week. Home form could provide the platform for a turnaround. Lyon have won seven of their nine league home games against teams starting the round below them in the table [7W, 1D, 1L], suggesting this fixture presents an ideal opportunity to rediscover winning form. Still, the hosts must be wary of Les Merlus, who claimed victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season. Historically, Lorient have struggled in this matchup away from home, managing just two wins in 17 visits [2W, 6D, 9L]. However, the last three meetings hosted by Lyon have all ended in draws, hinting at a potentially tight contest once again. Roman Yaremchuk may be seen at the attacking end of a 4—2—3—1 formation. Paulo Fonseca faces several selection concerns, as Rémi Himbert and Malick Fofana remain sidelined through injury, while Ernest Nuamah, Ruben Kluivert, and Pavel Šulc are all doubts. Nicolas Tagliafico will definitely miss due to suspension.

Meanwhile, Lorient [DDWLD] arrive with a reputation as one of the tougher teams to beat in the league this year. Olivier Pantaloni’s side have lost just two of their last 17 league matches [7W, 8D, 2L], underlining their resilience. A 1-1 draw with Paris FC last weekend kept them ninth in the standings with 38 points [9W, 11D, 8L]. Yet that impressive defensive solidity has also come with a drawback. Les Merlus have managed just one win in their last six league games [1W, 4D, 1L], a run that has effectively ended their hopes of mounting a late push for European qualification. In terms of team news, Isaak Touré and Bandiougou Fadiga remain unavailable due to injury, while Laurent Abergel is also a doubt for the visitors. Bamba Dieng is expected at the attacking end of a 3–4–2–1 formation against Les Gones.

Meanwhile, Lorient [DDWLD] arrive with a reputation as one of the tougher teams to beat in the league this year. Olivier Pantaloni’s side have lost just two of their last 17 league matches [7W, 8D, 2L], underlining their resilience. A 1-1 draw with Paris FC last weekend kept them ninth in the standings with 38 points [9W, 11D, 8L]. Yet that impressive defensive solidity has also come with a drawback. Les Merlus have managed just one win in their last six league games [1W, 4D, 1L], a run that has effectively ended their hopes of mounting a late push for European qualification. In terms of team news, Isaak Touré and Bandiougou Fadiga remain unavailable due to injury, while Laurent Abergel is also a doubt for the visitors. Bamba Dieng is expected at the attacking end of a 3—4—2—1 formation against Les Gones.

Olympique Lyonnais vs. FC Lorient begins at 19:45 [GMT+1] on Sunday, April 12, at Groupama Stadium.