Lyon vs Lorient prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-10-07 13:00.
Last in the standings with only two points in seven Ligue 1 matches (D2, L5), Lyon are experiencing their worst start to a season in the club’s history and are one of two sides in the division still winless at this stage. Although they failed to score for the third consecutive outing during a 2-0 defeat to Reims last weekend, manager Fabio Grosso stated that he saw “positive things”.
Despite Grosso's determination to be upbeat, Les Gones are now the only team in the top five European leagues to have not taken the lead in a game since the beginning of the campaign! To overcome their unprecedented crisis, a victory is imperative, but recent history against Lorient does not inspire optimism, with Lyon claiming only two wins in seven H2Hs held at Groupama Stadium (D3, L2).
This situation at Lyon presents an opportunity for Lorient, who will aim to end a worrying four-match winless streak (D1, L3) and climb out of the bottom three. Their biggest concern lies at the back, as after the 3-0 defeat against Montpellier last time out, the Brittany-based outfit have conceded a total of 15 goals this term, meaning Régis Le Bris’ men have the worst defence in Ligue 1 ahead of this round.
Improving away performances could be essential if Les Merlus are to avoid drowning, as they have won just one of their previous 13 away games in Ligue 1 (D4, L8), including a goalless draw at Lyon in March. Manager Le Bris admitted that Lorient have fallen short of “the required level” so far in 2023/24, and is anticipating a reaction from his players, who can draw inspiration from their 3-1 victory at title holders Paris Saint-Germain in April.
Players to watch: Lyon will hope Rayan Cherki can find the net after the youngster helped his side to victory in all five of his previous Ligue 1 goalscoring appearances. Aiming to shine against his former club will be Romain Faivre, whose four league goal contributions for Lorient have all come after the hour mark (G3, A1).
Hot stat: Lyon are the only Ligue 1 team yet to score before the hour mark this season.