Lacazette Return to lift Lyon?

Having lifted themselves away from the relegation zone, two of Ligue 1’s in-form teams clash this evening as Toulouse FC host Olympique Lyonnais. No team in France has done better than Lyon in the last six rounds of play — Les Gones have picked up wins in five of those fixtures, the only exception being a loss to Lens. Toulouse aren’t far behind, though — the hosts have four wins from six, and have even defeated the likes of European contenders Nice, Monaco and Lille in that spell.

Lyon will be missing January acquisition Saïd Benrahma, recently a regular on the left flank, as well as midfielder Orel Mangala. Youngster Malick Fofana is expected to replace Benrahma, while the midfield should be the experienced trio of Nemanja Matic, who has helped add a level of resolve to the center of the park for Lyon, alongside Corentin Tolisso and Maxence Caqueret.

While Benrahma and Mangala will be missed, Lyon can count on the return of captain Alexandre Lacazette. With 12 goals in the league, including five since the turn of the year, his form has been key to the club’s recent renaissance, and his presence could make the difference in what is likely to be a closely-contested match.

Toulouse have their own in-form striker, though, with Dutchman Thijs Dallinga set to lead the line for the hosts. The 23-year-old has been a hit since arriving in France, and with two goals and an assist in Toulouse’s last three matches, has been in good form as well. He and Yann Gboho, who joined the club from Belgian side Cercle Brugge in the winter, will be key to Toulouse’s hopes of picking up a vital home win ahead of the international break.

Predicted lineups:

Toulouse FC (3-4-3): Restes; Mawissa, Costa, Nicolaisen; Kamanzi, Sierro, Spierings, Suazo; Donnum (or Babicka), Dallinga, Gboho

Olympique Lyonnais (4-3-3): Lopes; Maitland-Niles (or Mata), O’Brien, Caleta-Car, Tagliafico; Caqueret, Matic, Tolisso; Nuamah, Lacazette, Fofana