Reims vs Lyon prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2024-11-22 20:00.
[p]Just three points separate third place and eighth place in Ligue 1 ahead of the round, and both Reims and Lyon find themselves in that cluster of sides. Reims come into this clash a point behind their visitors, and despite being three points worse off than they were at this same stage last season, they’ve had to deal with a change in manager over the summer, so they’ll likely be content with the start they’ve made.[/p]
[p]Luka Elsner is the man at the helm now, and Reims ought to be thankful he is for this clash, as he boasts an unbeaten personal managerial record against Lyon (W1, D3). Reims have enjoyed similar success themselves against this opposition, particularly at home where they’re unbeaten in seven H2Hs (W3, D4), but don’t expect entertainment as the last six all featured under 2.5 goals.[/p]
[p]Lyon ought not to be overawed by that negative record, as they’re one of Ligue 1’s most in-form sides at the moment, piecing together a six match unbeaten league run (W4, D2). Keeping that run going here will be difficult with history firmly working against them, but since losing 3-0 to Rennes in their opening away league game of the season, they’ve gone unbeaten in the following four (W2, D2). [/p]
[p]It’s not only history that Lyon will have to overcome here though, it’s off-field issues too, after it was announced during the international break that the club have been handed a provisional relegation. They’ve been given a transfer ban for January, and have until the end of the season to correct their finances or else they face the drop, although owner John Textor insists there is “no chance” his club will get relegated. [/p]
[p]Players to watch: Reims will hope Oumar Diakité can make a telling contribution as his three club goals this term all proved decisive in victory. Lyon may have to move on young prodigy Malick Fofana in January to help balance the books, but he remains for now and has seen seven of his last eight club goals arrive after half-time. [/p]
[p]Hot stat: Reims home league matches this season have averaged two first-half goals per game. [/p]
[p]W[i]ritten by Chris Wilson[/i][/p]