Under pressure after two consecutive setbacks, Paulo Fonseca had no choice: he had to react. At the time of facing Rennes at Groupama Stadium, the Portuguese coach made a strong decision. To relaunch an Olympique Lyonnais in search of points, especially in the race for Europe, Fonseca has decided to update its starting eleven. A strong signal sent to his group, but also to the supporters, disappointed by the last performances.
First strong choice: Corentin Tolisso, although restored with a sprain on the right knee, will start on the bench. In his place, it is Tanner Tessmann, the American international, who will be aligned alongside Nemanja Matic in the midfield. In offensive support, Thiago Almada will be responsible for animating the game. An unprecedented three environment for Lyon, designed to bring more physical impact and creativity, two ingredients that have sorely missed during the last outings.
Tessmann will play from the start with OL against Rennes.
OL – Rennes: Fofana Holder, Tolisso excluded … The eleven that surprises!
On the offensive side, Fonseca has also made strong decisions. Malick Fofana, back from injury, has been propelled for the first time in several weeks. Georges Mikautadze pays the price for this choice. The offensive trio will be supplemented by Alexandre Lacazette, captain and point of the attack, and Rayan Cherki, aligned on the right. A risky bet for Fonseca, which counts on the fiery of Fofana to energize a Rennes defense always difficult to maneuver.
No revolution behind however: Fonseca retains its usual quartet with Niakhaté and Clinton Mata in a hinge, Maitland-Niles on the right and Nicolás Tagliafico on the left. Lucas Perri remains in the cages. But the pressure is immense on this defensive line: with 17 goals conceded in 7 games and no clean-sheet on this period, the slightest relaxation could cost very much tonight. It is up to Fonseca to prove that his radical choices were the right ones.
The eleven of OL : Perri-Maitland-Niles, Mata, Niakhaté, Tagliafico-Matic, Tessmann-Cherki, Almada, Fofana-Lacazette (cap.).
