|
Champions League
Preview - 07 Nov 2007
Lyon v
Stuttgart. Wednesday 19:45
So the German Champions have lost about 58 away games already
this season, but they are worth chancing to down a far from
convincing Lyon side.
Confidence is the key factor here. Armin Veh's side have managed
to halt a dismal run by winning their last two Bundesliga games
without conceding a goal. No mean feat for a side that were
conceding goals left, right and centre during October.
The return to fitness of two players who were hugely influnential
in last season's success - defensive rock Matthieu Delpierre and
goal scoring midfielder Thomas Hitselsperger - has been a massive
boost for Veh. Hitzelsperger is the kind of player who can drive the
team on in the face of adversity. It was obvious during the
early-season lows that this side were crying out for a leader. The
German International popped up with two goals in the DFB Pokal last
week, and is a player Alain Perrin's men will need to keep a tight
leash on.
Lyon showed their fragile side against Rangers and, like Valencia
last night, they may just feel the pressure in front of an expectant
crowd if things don't go their way early on. Stuttgart have nothing
to lose here, having been widely written off already. With
confidence seaping back, and a virtual fully-fit squad for the first
time this season, they can be expected to show something like their
true form over the next few weeks. 15/2 is not a realistic measure
of their chances of victory at Stade de Garland.
Recommendation: 1 pt Stuttgart
@ 15/2. Bet365.
Ilunga
|