The headline fixture of the round will take place on Sunday. Olympique Lyonnais, who after six rounds had the same number of points (15) as leaders Paris Saint-Germain, will host the champions.
Olympique Lyonnais
Olympique Lyonnais are now only sixth, although just four points behind the leaders. Over the next five rounds they collected only five points. Even 17th-placed Metz have kept a better pace. Their only win in that spell came against fellow European-spot contenders Strasbourg (2:1), also at home. Before Afonso Moreira set the winning score in the 91st minute, Corentin Tolisso missed a penalty, while the opponents gifted the hosts an own goal and had a player sent off. It was not a convincing victory.
Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain have also had setbacks. Since early October they have played eight matches across Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League. They drew three times in the French league, including against two of Lyon’s rivals — Lille (1:1) away and Strasbourg (3:3) at home. Their only defeat in this run was inflicted by the well-drilled Bayern Munich (1:2) at Parc des Princes. In that match Achraf Hakimi suffered a visually severe injury, but medical forecasts suggest he will miss only a few weeks.
Olympique Lyonnais vs Paris Saint-Germain Prediction
Achraf Hakimi will certainly miss the game against Olympique Lyonnais, as will Ballon d'Or holder Ousmane Dembélé. Another attacking option, Désiré Doué, is also out, as is the excellent dribbler Nuno Mendes. Although the hosts have almost no key absences apart from Malick Fofana, Paris Saint-Germain’s squad depth should allow them at least to avoid defeat. With several key finishers and creators absent, the visitors’ scoring potential is reduced, so we include under 3.5 goals in our combo.
