Predicted Lyon XI v Marseille: Bradley Barcola returns from suspension, Malo Gusto back in squad

Just as Les Gones looked down and out for a spot in Europe after crashing out of the Coupe de France a few weeks ago, Laurent Blanc’s Lyon have revived their hopes of a fifth-place finish with an impressive streak of wins.

Tonight, they host Marseille for a high-stakes Olympico, with the visitors themselves needing a win to go back ahead of Lens in second place, the final automatic qualifying place for the Champions League.

Young full-back Saël Kumbedi, who extended his contract with his formative club last week, misses the game through suspension. Although now-Chelsea loanee Malo Gusto has returned to the matchday squad following an injury lay-off, Blanc is not expected to take any risks with the 19-year-old, and Sinaly Diomandé will take Kumbedi’s place instead. 

No other major changes are expected from the lineup that has secured three league wins in a row for tonight’s hosts, with forward Bradley Barcola returning from suspension to take up his spot in the team’s homemade attacking trident, alongside Alexandre Lacazette and Rayan Cherki.

Lyon likely lineup v Marseille:

Anthony Lopes – Sinaly Diomandé, Dejan Lovren, Castello Lukeba, Nicolás Tagliafico – Johann Lepenant, Corentin Tolisso, Maxence Caqueret – Bradley Barcola, Alexandre Lacazette, Rayan Cherki. (via L’Éq)

GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin