Olympique Lyon vs Strasbourg: Win or break situation for Lyonnaise

Olympique Lyon and Strasbourg came in from Round 3 of very contrasting recent fortunes. Lyon had crashed 2-0 to Monaco and had given out chamades regarding how they would hold defensive solidity against powerful attacking teams. Strasbourg had been playing at home in a 3-1 swotting of Stade Rennes—important form improvements. They take their chances when they come along and manage to stay defensively solid.

Beating a Lyon side that has been so inconsistent this season, underlined not just their defensive vulnerabilities but probably more to the point, a lack of creativity and sharpness in the final third. The main problem has to be with what they do with so much more possession to produce just about any meaningful chance, it may prove key up against an on-song Strasbourg side.

Olympique Lyon will most likely stick to their ball possession game, with an aim to set the tempo of the match in search of an opening. They, however, have to be very much wary of the kind of space that is conceded through the back line, mostly when too many players are pushed up in the pursuit of that elusive opening. They need to keep things a bit tighter at the back. Consider the lapses that can turn out costly against a counter-attacking outfit in Strasbourg.

On the other hand, Strasbourg has begun the season rather well. Their good work in beating Rennes was founded on solid defensive basics that permitted them the opportunity to take all that pressure and clinically unleash it on the break. This win definitely insures a high-spirited propensity toward Lyon, knowing very well that discipline and organization might just pay off handsomely.

More than likely, their setup will be one for counter-attacks, seeing how they did very well at Rennes. Tight shape, frustrating the forward players of Lyon, hitting fast on the break—indeed, another vital factor of success, set pieces, that Strasbourg could use against them. Lately, Lyon haven't been so sharp on how they defend dead-ball situations.

On head-to-head performance, Olympique Lyon dominated the fixture, more so at home. However, over time Strasbourg has been much better on the road—mainly by defending well enough for some possible surprising results in favor of their hosts.

Lyon has enjoyed the upper hand in these duels for decades, but maybe recently the form of Strasbourg has been hinting at that ever-so-slight possibility.

This is definitely one of those matches that could go either way, considering the contrasting form of both teams. Though Lyon carries a slight advantage due to the home status and the commanding history of performance in this fixture, they really need to get their act together in front of the goal and stopping the poor defense. Strasbourg will really be competitive after gaining some confidence from their latest win and will want to grab this result if Lyon fails to improve on the last display.

Will be a closely fought contest, though Lyon would hold a slight advantage in the case of home conditions. Strasbourg do look better placed for a draw, maybe even a narrow win if they could play on their strengths and others' weaknesses.

• Lyon or Strasbourg Win and Under 4.5 Goals at 1.6 Odds
• Both Teams to Score at 1.74 Odds
• Under 10 Corners at 1.66 Odds