Lyon vs Paris FC – News and Probable Lineups

For the first time in over 45 years, Paris FC will be making their way to Lyon for a Ligue 1 fixture on Sunday at Groupama Stadium in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region.

Following a 3-2 loss against Marseille last week, OL maintained their third position in the league, while Paris climbed to 14th after securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Nice.

Match overview

The team currently at the top of the league has recently faced some challenges, suffering two consecutive defeats in the top tier.

The defense, usually quite robust, has recently appeared less secure, allowing three goals across two Ligue 1 matches.

Returning to their home ground may be precisely what they need to regain momentum, as they have won five consecutive domestic matches at Groupama Stadium.

Presently seated to enter the League Phase of the Champions League, they are just two points ahead of fourth-placed Marseille, which would push them into the qualifying phase of that tournament.

A further loss on Sunday could see them drop into that fourth position, as it would also signify the first time Paulo Fonseca experiences three league defeats in a row since taking over this team in January 2025.

While they have never faced their upcoming opponents at this venue, Les Gones possess an impeccable home record against them in this competition.

Antoine Kombouare enjoyed a promising debut as the Paris FC manager last week, with his team achieving only their second league win this year.

On Sunday, the former Nantes head coach has the opportunity to secure his first away victory leading this group and to break their three-match winless streak across all competitions.

Away from home, they have not been defeated in three consecutive league fixtures, conceding just once in the preceding two matches.

As they approach matchday 25, they are nine points clear of automatic relegation and eight above Auxerre in the relegation playoff position.

This season, they have yet to lose in this competition when scoring in the first half, having dropped points only once in such matches (1-1 draw at Toulouse).

Paris FC has earned just a single point in the top tier this campaign against teams currently positioned in the top three, that point coming from a home draw against Lyon in late October (3-3).

Team News

Lyon’s Afonso Moreira and Pavel Sulc are both uncertain for this match due to hamstring issues, Malick Fofana has an ankle complaint, and Ernest Nuamah is sidelined due to a cruciate ligament injury.

Nicolas Tagliafico may miss out because of a calf issue, Ruben Kluivert is questionable as he deals with muscle tightness, and Clinton Mata will not be available due to suspension.

Corentin Tolisso found the net early against Marseille, while Remi Stephane Himbert scored his inaugural career goal in Ligue 1 in that match.

For Paris, Pierre-Yves Hamel is unlikely to play owing to a calf strain, Sofiane Alakouch has a knee issue, and Remy Riou along with Lamine Gueye are both doubtful due to physical knocks.

Hamari Traore is also expected to be absent again due to a knee concern, whilst Otavio, Thibault De Smet, and Ilan Kebbal are set to miss out due to suspension.

Marshall Munetsi scored the only goal against Nice, marking his second consecutive league goal for the Wolves loanee, as Kevin Trapp accomplished three saves to maintain a clean sheet.

Lyon probable starting XI:

Count; Maitland-Niles, Hateboer, Niakhate, Abner; Morton; Tessmann, Tolisso; Endrick, Yaremchuk, Nartey

Paris FC probable starting XI:

Traps; Coppola, Mbow, Kolodziejczak; Camara, Lees-Melou, Muneci, Simon; Krasso, Icon; Immobile

Given Paris’ solid away form and facing a side experiencing a minor downturn, it is anticipated that they will manage to secure a point in what may turn out to be a defensive encounter.