After their remarkable crisis continued in midweek, Lyon welcome Toulouse to the Groupama Stadium on Sunday looking to pick themselves up off the canvas.

A thrashing away to bitter rivals Marseille was possibly the lowest point of the campaign so far for Ligue 1's bottom club, who are on the verge of hiring a third permanent manager of the season already.

Match preview

When it seemed as though Lyon could not sink any further, their season hit a new low point as they were beaten 3-0 at the Stade Velodrome in the Derby des Olympiques on Wednesday.

The game was rearranged after Fabio Grosso suffered serious facial injuries after the Lyon team bus was attacked by missiles by Marseille supporters, but the Italian was not even in the dugout for the game as he has already become the second OL boss to be sacked this season.

New interim manager Pierre Sage was welcomed with a baptism of fire, facing two very daunting away games at the raucous atmospheres of Lens and Marseille, and defeats in both mean it is now nine losses in 14 games this season.

After beating Rennes just before the international break, Lyon have not kicked on, and it only took one game for Grosso to be sacked after that, following a defeat to Lille.

Youth team coach Sage is set to take the reins for this clash, but with Jorge Sampaoli and Bruno Genesio both heavily linked with the job, this could be his last game in caretaker charge.

With Lyon in turmoil, they are in grave danger of losing an all-time unbeaten home record against Toulouse, as they have never lost to these opponents on home soil in 29 previous meetings - winning 23.

Lyon's dominance is illustrated by the fact that a 1-1 draw between the sides here last season ended a seven-game winning run at the venue for the hosts.

Toulouse are not particularly in the best of form themselves, though, and are in the relegation picture with Lyon.

A six-point gap separates the sides, with Toulouse sitting just outside the drop zone, level on points with Strasbourg and Montpellier.

After only qualifying for Europe thanks to their Coupe de France success last season, Toulouse only moved away from trouble late in the season, and they may have to do so again this time around too.

Their famous win over Liverpool remains their only success in 10 games, as Carles Martinez's side now sit just one point above Lorient in the relegation playoff spot having won just twice in the league all season.

Team News

Interim boss Sage will be without important first-team duo Nicolas Tagliafico (ankle) and Corentin Tolisso (calf), but they should return before Christmas.

A sprained knee for Johann Lepenant will keep him out until February at the earliest, in Lyon's only serious injury concern.

Diego Moreira and Paul Akouokou have been recent additions to the starting lineup but have struggled to make much impact, so the likes of Jeffinho, Tino Kadewere and Ainsley Maitland-Niles will hope for a chance themselves.

Toulouse are without Moroccan winger Zakaria Aboukhlal due to a knee injury, as well as Oliver Zanden, who has a hip issue, but both could soon return to the side.

Martinez will be without two more important first-team players due to suspension too, as Aron Donnum and Vincent Sierro are both out due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

Thijs Dallinga came back from a domestic ban last weekend and was only named as a substitute, but after scoring within 10 minutes of coming on, he should start here.

The Dutch striker has been responsible for over one-third of Toulouse's league goals this season and has eight in 18 matches so far in all competitions.

Lyon possible starting lineup:
Lopes; Clinton Mata, Lovren, O'Brien, Henrique; Akouokou, Caqueret; Jeffinho, Cherki, Kadewere; Lacazette

Toulouse possible starting lineup:
Restes; Desler, Costa, Nicolaisen, Suazo; Spierings, Casseres, Schmidt; Cissoko, Dallinga, Magri

We say: Lyon 1-1 Toulouse

Toulouse are winless in seven league games, having lost three and recorded four 1-1 draws, so despite Lyon's woes, they may not be able to take advantage.

A draw does not do the home side much good, but with no permanent manager and confidence shattered, getting anything on the board at this stage may be acceptable for now.


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