Out-of-sorts Lyon will be hoping to end a three-match winless run when they take on Ligue 1 holders Monaco, who trail leaders PSG three points after the Montpellier setback.

Both sides have had quite a few first team regulars away on international duty, and some of those players might not be in the best shape come Friday evening.

After a promising season last term, Lyon haven’t quite managed to hit the ground running in the new campaign, which is not that surprising given the major changes to the playing squad.

The busy schedule in the opening exchanges definitely made the job more difficult for Bruno Genesio, but it is clear that this team have got a lot of potential.

Lyon, however, seem to be lacking some strength in depth, but that could prove a blessing in disguise, as talented youngsters such as Aouar, Geubbels, Ndombele and Maoulida will have a chance to secure much needed playing time.

Les Gones find themselves in a difficult situation at the moment, having failed to win any of their last five fixtures, and they are 2.40 (7/5) to end the barren run against Monaco.

Centre-back Marcelo misses out through suspension, whereas midfielder Pape Diop is unlikely to feature as he battles an ankle problem.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Lopes – Rafael, Diakhaby, Morel, Mendy – Tousart, Ndombele – Traore, Fekir, Depay – Diaz.

Last season will definitely go down as the one to remember for Monaco, and not only because of their Ligue 1 success.

The Principality club also reached the Champions League semi-finals and put a number of key men in the shop window, paving way for huge profit in the summer.

In spite of the serious influx of cash, the club stayed true to their transfer strategy, mostly making bargain signings, and that is again proving a great decision.

Eight games into the new season, Monaco sit just three points behind heavily reinforced Paris Saint-Germain, and they head into the Lyon clash as favourites.

Leonardo Jardim will have to make do without Montenegrin forward Stevan Jovetic, who picked up a thigh injury on international duty, while his usual replacement Adama Diakhaby is doubtful through a back problem.

The most important thing is that Radamel Falcao is fit to play after the Colombian scored amazing 12 goals in first 8 games of the new campaign.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Subasic – Sidibe, Glik, Jemerson, Jorge – Rony Lopes, Tielemans, Fabinho, Lemar – Falcao, Ghezzal.