Lyon Vs St Etienne

On Sunday evening, Ligue 1 will see the highly anticipated 124th edition of the Derby du Rhône-Alpes between Olympique Lyonnais and AS Saint-Étienne, marking the league's final match before the international break. Given the intense rivalry that has long defined this fixture, the authorities have taken the precautionary step of banning away fans from attending, designating the match as 'very high risk.' The absence of traveling supporters only heightens the already charged atmosphere as both teams battle not only for local pride but also for crucial points in the Ligue 1 standings.

Lyon's Tumultuous Season So Far

The timing of this fixture could not be more critical for Lyon. The club has been embroiled in off-field turmoil, with financial struggles threatening to push them towards a demotion to Ligue 2. These concerns have cast a shadow over their performances on the pitch, which have been equally inconsistent. While Lyon's fortunes have seen some improvement after a shaky start to the season, their recent form has once again left much to be desired.

Pierre Sage, who took over as Lyon's manager at the start of the campaign, was under significant pressure following a dismal start. With only four points from their first five league games, Sage's position at the club was in jeopardy. However, a remarkable turnaround occurred from late September to mid-October, during which Lyon put together a five-match winning streak across all competitions. The team’s attacking play was scintillating during this period, scoring 14 goals, including two victories in Europe.

Despite this, Lyon's season has once again taken a downturn. The catalyst for this slump came during their Groupama Stadium clash with Turkish side Besiktas. Fresh off a dominant 4-0 away win over Le Havre, Lyon seemed poised to build on their positive momentum. However, Besiktas pulled off a rare European away win, defeating Lyon and marking the beginning of a new winless streak for the French club.

Following that defeat, Lyon has been unable to secure a victory in three consecutive matches, dropping points in frustrating fashion. Their 1-1 draw at home to Auxerre saw them squander a lead twice, while a 1-1 draw against Lille was salvaged by a late strike from Malick Fofana. These disappointing results have kept Lyon within touching distance of the top six, but the competition is fierce, and the margins are razor-thin. Outside of the top three, the league is tightly packed, and Lyon's position is far from secure.

The team's struggles were again evident during their midweek Europa League fixture against Hoffenheim. With just minutes remaining in stoppage time, Alexandre Lacazette's 2-1 goal looked to have given Lyon a crucial victory. However, Hoffenheim responded immediately, with Umut Tohumcu scoring in the 96th minute to level the game and extend Lyon’s winless run. As a result, Lyon remains outside the top eight in their Europa League group, a reflection of their broader struggles.

For Lyon, the Derby du Rhône-Alpes represents an opportunity to right the ship. The match promises to be an emotionally charged affair, with the intense rivalry against Saint-Étienne offering the perfect stage for a much-needed victory. This will be the first derby at Groupama Stadium with a full capacity crowd since March 2020, and the fervor in the stands could be the spark Lyon needs to reignite their season.

Historically, Lyon has been dominant in this fixture, particularly prior to Saint-Étienne’s relegation from Ligue 1 in 2022. Since then, Lyon has extended their unbeaten run to four wins and one draw in the last five meetings between the two clubs. Saint-Étienne has not won a derby at Lyon in their last eight visits, further adding to the pressure on the visiting side.

Saint-Étienne's Struggles and Relegation Battle

While Lyon’s form has been inconsistent, Saint-Étienne’s season has been even more tumultuous. The club has found itself embroiled in a relegation battle since returning to Ligue 1 after their two-year absence in the second tier. At present, they occupy a place in the relegation zone, with their season marked by woeful performances away from home.

Olivier Dall'Oglio's side has been the only team in Ligue 1 this season not to lead a match at any point while playing on the road. Their away form has been nothing short of disastrous, with the club picking up just one point from their five away fixtures and conceding a staggering 19 goals in the process. The defense has been leaky, and the team has struggled to contain even the most basic threats from their opposition.

Saint-Étienne’s overall form this season has been grim, and their record on the road paints a bleak picture. However, the team did manage to secure a 2-0 win over Strasbourg last weekend at home, which provided some much-needed relief. The victory allowed Saint-Étienne to level on points with Angers and Nantes, though their goal difference remains a major concern, following a disastrous 8-0 defeat to Nice earlier in the season. With a goal difference of -14, Saint-Étienne faces a huge uphill battle if they are to avoid relegation.

The team’s failure to find consistency has been one of the primary reasons for their struggles. While their home form has been slightly better, they still find themselves in the relegation zone as the season enters its crucial stages. Away from home, their defense has been porous, and their attacking play lacks the spark needed to cause problems for opposition defenses.

As they approach the derby, Saint-Étienne will need a monumental effort to challenge Lyon, especially given the contrast in recent form between the two clubs. Lyon will be motivated not only by their own need for a win but also by the chance to maintain their dominance in this fixture. Saint-Étienne, meanwhile, will be aiming to defy the odds and pull off an upset, but they will have to overcome significant defensive frailties and an overall lack of confidence.

In terms of tactics, Lyon’s attacking power will be a key factor in this match. Pierre Sage has often favored an attacking style, with the likes of Rayan Cherki and Alexandre Lacazette leading the charge in recent weeks. Lyon’s ability to create chances and score goals will be critical, particularly against a Saint-Étienne side that has shown significant defensive weaknesses. If Lyon can capitalize on these defensive lapses, they will be in a strong position to claim the points.

On the other hand, Saint-Étienne’s best chance may lie in disrupting Lyon’s attacking rhythm and attempting to exploit any vulnerabilities in their defense. Lyon’s inconsistent form means they are not impervious to counter-attacks, and Saint-Étienne could look to capitalize on any mistakes or lapses in concentration at the back. If they can frustrate Lyon and keep the game tight, they may have a chance to cause an upset, especially if they can take advantage of set-pieces or long balls into the box.

Lyon’s defensive issues have also been evident at times this season, and while they have the firepower to outscore many teams, they will need to tighten up at the back to avoid giving away cheap goals. Saint-Étienne will need to press high at the right moments and ensure they are compact in defense to limit Lyon’s space and time on the ball.

This edition of the Derby du Rhône-Alpes promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both sides eager to prove themselves. Lyon, despite their struggles, will have the upper hand in terms of quality and recent form, but Saint-Étienne will come into the match with a point to prove. For Lyon, it is an opportunity to recover from their recent slump and continue their dominance over their local rivals. For Saint-Étienne, it is a chance to pull off a major upset and take a significant step towards survival in Ligue 1. With both teams under pressure, the stakes couldn’t be higher as they prepare to face off in this high-intensity clash.