UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Lille lie in wait for listless Lyon

Members

Having scored twice in their last four league games, LOSC Lille Métropole aim to rediscover their goal touch as they host leaders Olympique Lyonnais tonight.

In danger
After a 1-0 defeat at Toulouse FC last week, Lille find themselves 15 points adrift of their fellow UEFA Champions League contenders, who finally earned their first league victory of 2007 against FC Lorient on 10 February. Third in the table, they are in danger of losing touch with second-placed RC Lens unless the goals start flowing again.

Chances flowing
"It's true that we are scoring very few goals at the moment," said midfielder Jean II Makoun. "It would be worrying if we were creating fewer chances to find the net but that's not the case. We just have to be patient and carry on with the good work. Things will go back to normal soon."

Winning record
Lille go into Friday's game looking to extend a run of six straight home wins against the French champions stretching back to 2000. Coach Claude Puel is hoping that sequence will continue, and that his side can start scoring again. "Our best chances tend to come from dead-ball situations," he said. "We have been less efficient since the winter break but you have times like that during a season."

Lyon relief
Fred's strike against Lorient finally ended Lyon's barren spell, earning a 1-0 home success for the title-holders, but Gérard Houllier's team have yet to recover the form that helped establish such a commanding lead in the table in 2006. After making his first start since August, captain Claudio Caçapa conceded: "The most important thing was the victory. We had to win even if our football was not scintillating. Success is good for confidence."

European challenges
With a UEFA Champions League tie at AS Roma looming next Wednesday for Lyon, while Lille tackle Manchester United FC at their adopted home in Lens on Tuesday, both clubs could do with a confidence boost. "I think we are ready for the Roma game," said Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas. "I feel the players are stepping up a gear." The proof of that statement may be known after the full-time whistle tonight.

Selected for you