Very ambitious after its fantastic comeback and its European ticket, Pierre Sage’s Olympique Lyonnais launches this new season on the Rennes pitch, this Sunday evening (8:45 p.m.). A shock that the OL coach approaches with the greatest vigilance.
“Rennes will be a different opponent than last season. We can still feel Julien Stephan’s touch in the animation. We will contain these similarities and take advantage of the fact that the team is still under construction. We are impatient to play this first match because it will be a revealer of our state of form. We have a quality opponent, we are eager to resume the competition.”
Mikautadze attack leader… in what position?
It remains to be seen with which eleven the Gones will show up in Brittany. “Alexandre Lacazette and Rayan Cherki will resume training on Monday. We gave them a week to breathe and to give them time to digest the emotions they experienced. Nicolas Tagliafico is suspended, as for Malick Fofana, he will be fit to play.”explained Pierre Sage.
In the absence of Lacazette, it is therefore Georges Mikautadze, the star recruit of the summer, who should be lined up in the centre, unless the Georgian prepares his next few weeks in a left attacking position before the return of the Olympic vice-champion. Pierre Sage does not lack options in a well-stocked offensive sector. For the rest, there are no surprises to be expected. Perri will start in goal, and Matic and Mangala are expected in midfield.
The expected line-up for OL: Perri – Maitland-Niles, Caleta-Car, Niakhaté, Abner – Caqueret (c), Matic, Mangala – Nuamah, Mikautadze, Benrahma.
