Décines-Charpieu (France) (AFP)
Lyon coach Rudi Garcia has chosen Tuesday to align striker Martin Terrier, surprise holder alongside Moussa Dembélé or Memphis Depay, for the crucial match against Leipzig (21:00), which can qualify, as eliminate, OL of the Champions League.
The young center forward, who has scored only once this season, was preferred to Jeff Queen Adelaide, expected at kickoff.
The former Angevin, holder seven times out of eleven so far, has yet completed its month of November with two goals and two assists, suggesting its rise to power.
In defense, the technician from Lyon trusted Rafael to the position of left side, the main pre-game concern. The Brazilian was uncertain because of an ankle injury.
On the German side, the Frenchman Christopher Nkunku was chosen to start alongside the German nugget Timo Werner, the second best scorer in the Bundesliga (15 goals) behind Robert Lewandowski.
In addition to the former Parisian, coach Julian Nagelsmann has fielded two other young Tricolores: defenders Nordi Mukiele (22) and Dayot Upamecano (21), respectively passed through Montpellier and Valenciennes.
A victory can assure the OL the qualification for the 8th as well as the first group place. A draw can suffice if, at the same time, Zenit Saint Petersburg loses against Benfica Lisbon in Portugal.
Composition of the teams:
Lyon: A. Lopes - Tete, Andersen, Denayer, Marçal - Thiago Mendes, Tousart - Terrier, Depay (cap), Aouar - M. Dembélé
Leipzig: Gulacsi - Mukiele, Klostermann, Upamecano, Saracchi - Haidara, Y. Poulsen, Demme (cape), Forsberg - Werner, Nkunku
Referee: Anthony Taylor (ENG)
© 2019 AFP