Sochaux – Lyon 16.08.2013

Sochaux started the new season with a 1:1 draw against Evian. One point earned as guest could be rated as positive for the coach

Eric Hely and the players. Sochaux were one goal down after the first half, but Roy Contout equalized during the second half. However, my opinion is that Sochaux played poor on that match and were clearly outplayed. Maybe it was somehow expected as the club officials failed to bring some good and experienced players during the Summer transfer period. Of course, there are two more weeks for that, but until then, Sochaux will suffer in mediocrity. Coach Hely has almost all players available for this match, with midfielder Kalilou Traore as only sidelined player. He is still recovering from knee injury and is not expected to be back until December.

Olympique Lyon had an excellent performance on the start of Ligue One. They destroyed Nice with 4:0 at Stade Gerland. The coach Remi Garde had lot of problems in front of that match (Remy Vercoutre, Mouhamadou Dabo and Rachid Ghezzal were injured, while Maxime Gonalons, Samuel Umtiti and Bakary Kone were suspended, plus Lisandro Lopez left the club), but still find a way to compose a good team able to play good. Alexandre Lacazette was a double scorer, while the remaining two goals were scored by Clement Grenier and Yoann Gourcuff.

Bookmaker: Bet365  –> Get Your free bet here!

For this match Garde has some worries as the goalkeeper Remy Vercoutre and Rachid Ghezzal are still out injured, while Samuel Umtiti remains suspended. However, I believe that’s not a big problem, Garde has adequate replacements. The atmosphere in the squad is positive and the players confidence are very high after the big victory last Saturday. The chemistry will also be an important factor in the outcome of this match, and chemistry is clearly on Lyon side.

This match is the 31st meeting between Sochaux and Lyon over the years. Sochaux have won only 5 matches, while Lyon have won 20.  Last two years they failed to win, but I believe this is a perfect opportunity for Lyon. I expect the guests to celebrate.