Lyon coach Gerard Houllier is encouraging his players to regard tonight’s Champions League match against Olympiakos “like a final” as they look to maintain their 100 per cent record in Group F.
A victory over the Greek double winners would leave them on the brink of qualifying for the knockout stages.
“We can make a giant step towards qualifying by securing a third win,” he said.
“It’s an exciting challenge and we need to approach this tie like a final. If we win we’d need a single point from three matches, because ten will be enough given Rosenborg [BK]’s victory in Greece.”
The French champions welcome back Eric Abidal meaning they are at full strength. He will compete with Jérémy Berthod for the left-back spot, while John Carew and Mahamadou Diarra return from suspension.
Olympiakos are missing injured duo Rivaldo and Grigorios Georgatos, but their coach Trond Sollied remains optimistic.
“They are two important players but the people who come in also have qualities. It gives us the opportunity to prove we are not dependent on two men,” said Sollied.
“In our group there are two teams who can win the competition, Lyon and Real Madrid [CF],” he added. “When I faced Lyon a few years ago they had one or two quality players. Now their team is full of top-quality players.”
