Strasbourg and Lyon kick the weekend's action off in Ligue 1 when they meet at the Stade de la Meinau on Friday night.
Differing fortunes last week mean the hosts enter this fixture in much higher spirits than Lyon.
Match preview
© Reuters
A colossal performance from Frederic Antonetti's Strasbourg side saw them win 2-0 away to a Reims outfit that have been notoriously tough to beat last weekend.
Claiming consecutive wins for the first time this season has moved Strasbourg out of the drop zone on goal difference.
Habib Diallo's return from suspension was huge for the side, as he netted both goals in the win, taking his tally to 17 for the season.
Diallo's influence is perfectly illustrated by the fact his goals in 2023 alone have won Strasbourg a vital 10 points in their battle against relegation.
Just one point separates the four sides placed 14th to 17th in Ligue 1, with Strasbourg, Nantes and Brest all tied on 32.
Le Racing can enter this home fixture knowing they are a much better unit at the Stade de la Meinau since Antonetti took over too, as they have now won four of their last five here, having won none of their first 11 home games of the season.
Having already beaten Lyon 2-1 in the reverse fixture as well, Strasbourg can make it back-to-back victories over OL for the first time since 1980.
As Strasbourg celebrated a potentially pivotal away success, later on Sunday night, Lyon lost the Derby des Olympiques in devastating fashion.
© Reuters
Malo Gusto's comical and unfortunate stoppage-time own goal saw Marseille leave the Groupama Stadium with all three points in the final fixture of the Ligue 1 weekend.
That defeat, which ended a three-game winning streak for Laurent Blanc's men, may well have killed off Lyon's European ambitions as they now sit six points behind Lille in fifth.
A tough run-in makes hopes of Europe appear slim now for OL, as for the second season running, they now have 50 points or fewer after 32 Ligue 1 games, having not done so in their previous 22 league campaigns.
To keep their slim chances alive, they must win this weekend, and they do have a good record in Alsace, winning on eight of their last 11 trips away to Strasbourg.
Team News
© Reuters
Ukrainian full-back Eduard Sobol is a doubt for Strasbourg as he continues his recovery from a muscle problem.
Gerzino Nyamsi will miss out with a sprained ankle, and so too will reserve goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima, who has a shoulder injury.
Kevin Gameiro has started Strasbourg's last four home games but has been a substitute for all of their away games in that time, so he may come back in to form a duo up top with Diallo.
Blanc has just one injury issue to worry about within his Lyon side heading into this one, with Mohamed El Arouch out with an ankle injury.
Despite his late own goal last week, Gusto should return to the starting XI after making his return from injury off the bench against Marseille.
Strasbourg possible starting lineup:
Sels; Guilbert, Perrin, Djiku, Le Marchand, Delaine; Doukoure, Bellegarde, Sanson; Gameiro, Diallo
Lyon possible starting lineup:
Lopes; Gusto, Lovren, Lukeba, Tagliafico; Thiago Mendes, Tolisso, Caqueret; Barcola, Lacazette, Cherki
We say: Strasbourg 1-1 Lyon
Any result for Strasbourg here will feel important with the two sides below them not playing this weekend, and Auxerre facing Marseille away.
Lyon have only lost one of their last nine away games, and despite last week's disappointment, they should be able to extend that run here.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
