Lyon vs Rennes : A glass of Lyonnais nouveau ?

The international break being over, in Lyon, it’s recovery time, after losing ground, both in the Championnat and in the Champions League, to an unexpected extent : four away defeats in a row.

It is not sure yet whether it’s time to announce the OL nouveau, like people celebrated the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau, but one thing is likely: it should be stronger, more mature and probably more sparkling. In just a week, Maxime Gonalons gained precious international experience with Les Bleus, gaining his first 2 caps and some hope for the Euro 2012, Hugo Lloris confirmed his leadership qualities by captaining France, and during that time,at training, Lisandro Lopez finally sent strong signs he’s back in business. Like him, Michel Bastos, Clement Grenier turned their backs to the infirmary. Lovren will follow and, boy, all that sounds bloody good.

So, at the start of what Rémi Garde calls “the last block of eight games before the break,” OL really needs this kind of boost. Too often diminished since the beginning of the season, the Lyon team will undoubtedly benefit, progressively, from the return of their key players, especially Lisandro whose 3 months absence, after hurting his ankle in Montpellier, was sorely missed. Grenier, Bastos are hoping to regain the good trajectory they were on before their respective injuries; and Bafé Gomis, who has not scored since 479 minutes, is hoping to shake the nets again thanks to the return of his 2 most supporting accomplices in that regard, Licha and Bastos.

So with a squad looking more and more like its former self, OL are equipped for their reconquest campaign. And, being currently fourth, they would be wise to launch it right today, against Rennes, currently fifth, a direct competitor.

Said Garde, “Even if Rennes are a successful team when playing away, very difficult to move, it will be important to win this game to stay inn touch at the top of the league and break the good record of Rennes at the Stade Gerland”. I won’t disagree on that one, Rémi.

Rennes, who, since February 2006, took the habit of never returning empty-handed from their travels to Lyon (1 win, 5 draws) is also a team who won away most often (4 times) and scored most (13 goals).

So tonight’s cocktail looks very promising : if we take the Gerland Stadium, pour Rennes’ good away run, and add Lyon’s home invincibility (21 straight L1 home games without defeat) , and shake all this, it should make for a nice and bubbly drink. Not quite like the famous Beaujolais Nouveau Thursday, but enough to get Lyon and their followers excited.

Allez l’OL !

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Category: Team News and Rumors