Welcome back to my new series, previewing the teams from the main leagues around Europe. Simplifying them down into their previous finish, star man, unsung hero, a few other facts and where I think they'll finish. I hope you approved of the first installment in which I had a look at the first four team, alphabetically in Ligue 1.
So let's get stuck into the next four!
Evian Thonon
Last season: 9th
Star man: Yannick Sagbo
Unsung hero: Eric Tie Bi
Prediction for this season: Mid-table safety.
Evian proved they we're no push-overs last year as they finished a comfortable ninth, surpassing all expectations and probably even their own. Midfield general Eric Tie Bi gets little recognition, but the holding midfielder keeps 'les roses' midfield solid, whilst giving the back four that all important shield. While Tie Bi is marshaling the middle of the pitch, Evian count on Cote d'Ivoire striker Yannick Sagbo to band in the goals at the business end. Born in Marseille the sizable striker has had no problem finding the net, despite his solitary goal this season he has been a handful for defences and looked very dangerous.
LOSC Lille
Last season: 3rd
Star man: Rio Mavuba
Unsung hero: Mathieu Debuchy
Prediction for this season: Challenging for the league.
Lille's new stadium and new look badge are only two of the many comings and going's this summer, their new stadium is one of magnificence and is appropriate to the direction Lille are heading. Despite the big gap Eden Hazard has left, they have brought in the highly rated Steeve Elana from Stade Brestois, the creative playmaker Marvin Martin and the ever reliable Solomon Kalou from Chelsea on a free. The club have made a steady start to the season, with one win and two draws and are looking forward to trying to over turn a 1-0 deficit against FC Copenhagen. Mathieu Debuchy is a target for Newcastle, but while Lille want eight million, Newcastle are only willing to pay six, if they can keep him and star man, midfield general and club captain Rio Mavuba, les dogues should have no problems mounting a challenge for this years title.
FC Lorient
Last season: 17th
Star man: Jérémie Aliadiere
Unsung hero: Fabien Audard
Prediction for this season: Mid table, could be a surprise for the Europa League spots.
Lorient have have got off to a cracking start this year in Ligue 1, winning one and drawing two of their opening three games. Arguably the hardest first two games they could have been given we're against champions Montpellier and big spenders Paris Saint-Germain, thanks to the amazing Audard they got a draw at the Parc des Princes somewhat disappointingly for them as they we're two goals up. Then they took on Montpellier and being one-nil down in the ninetieth minute recovered and won two-one. This followed by a draw against Troyes they are sitting pretty in the league table. As long as Audard can keep up his excellent form, being one of the most underrated keepers in Ligue 1 and can keep former Arsenal hit-man Jérémie Aliadiere fit they will be the surprise package this year.
Olympique Lyonnais
Last season: 4th
Star man: Michel Bastos, only if he's consistent.
Unsung hero: Maxime Gonalons
Prediction for this season: Challenge for the title.
I like Lyon, I like them alot which I suppose is mainly due to being brought up with 'that team' that won the seven titles in a row. (I like Montpellier too.) Always having admired Gregory Coupet and Juninho Pernambucano from that team, if you don't know who they are look up 'Coupet save v Barcelona' and 'Juninho free kicks' and that'll be you set for the afternoon. Let's not get side tracked, so Lyon have started the season off superbly noticeable the return of Michel Bastos's form, who had been so inconsistent has been scoring again. When Bastos is in the mood, boy can he turn it on, his left foot hammering humdingers and going on devastating runs through the defence. Where as the unsung hero Maxime Gonalons is the epitome of consistency, the newly named captain just sits in front of the back four and mops up anything coming his way. Lyon will be at their strongest for many years this year and if Hugo Lloris can regain his confidence, will be a force to be wary of again.
So hope you have enjoyed reading and I'll be back with teams 9-12 tomorrow which includes champions Montpellier!
Thanks again for you support, it means alot.
Jonathan.
Follow me on Twitter: @JWalsh97
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