Lyon plan return to winning ways

Lille loss
Seeking their fifth consecutive title, Lyon go into the game an impressive 12 points clear of nearest rivals RC Lens and FC Girondins de Bordeaux. Indeed, the gap could have been greater had Gérard Houllier's side not lost to LOSC Lille Métropole in their last outing, and they will be looking for a return to winning ways against UEFA Cup hopefuls Strasbourg.

Strasbourg struggle
"We must win it to show that we deserve to be champions again," said the Lyon coach. "But facing the bottom side is not really an advantage as they know they have to earn points if they want to remain in the top flight." Strasbourg, four points adrift at the foot of the table, have seen their chances improve as the champions have a spate of injuries - Anthony Reveillère (hamstring), Florent Malouda (knee) and Eric Abidal (broken foot) are all ruled out.

Vercourtre interest
Rémy Vercourtre is fit but unlikely to dislodge Grégory Coupet in the Lyon goal, although he does have more vested interest in the game than most after helping Strasbourg to French League Cup glory last season before switching to the Stade Gerland. "It will be really a special game for me," he said, "although we're taking on a motivated side who deserve better than to be in 20th place."

Hectic spell
Vercourtre will not claim a second League Cup success this term as Lyon are already eliminated but that could prove a blessing in disguise as the French season approaches a hectic spell: the Strasbourg game is the first of six matches scheduled for January.

Marseille-Lens
The pick of the other games sees Lens travelling to an Olympique de Marseille side who are four places, but only one point, below them. Indeed, the chasing pack is so congested that the eight clubs behind Lyon are separated by just three points. Two of those, AJ Auxerre and AS Monaco FC, meet tomorrow, while third-placed Bordeaux are at AS Nancy-Lorraine tonight.