The stage is set at Groupama Stadium as Olympique Lyonnais prepares to host Angers SCO in a highly anticipated Ligue 1 clash on September 19, 2025. As the season begins to find its rhythm, this encounter presents a crucial opportunity for both sides to either solidify their strong start or kickstart a much-needed resurgence. Lyon, a traditional powerhouse, will be looking to leverage their home advantage and maintain their impressive historical record against Angers. Meanwhile, Angers, often considered the underdog in this fixture, will aim to defy expectations and snatch valuable points on the road. Will Lyon continue their dominance, or can Angers spring a surprise and rewrite the narrative?
Head-to-Head History: A Tale of Lyon’s Dominance
The historical data between Olympique Lyonnais and Angers SCO paints a clear picture of Lyon’s superiority. In a total of 17 matches played between the two sides since 2015, Lyon has emerged victorious in 13 encounters, while Angers has managed only 2 wins, with 2 matches ending in a draw.
Recent Encounters:
- 17 May 2025: Lyon 2 – 0 Angers
- 07 December 2024: Angers 0 – 3 Lyon
- 25 February 2023: Angers 1 – 3 Lyon
- 03 September 2022: Lyon 5 – 0 Angers
- 03 April 2022: Lyon 3 – 2 Angers
Lyon’s recent form against Angers is particularly compelling, having secured five consecutive victories and nine triumphs in their last ten head-to-head battles. These matches have often seen Lyon’s attack flourish, with notable high-scoring outcomes such as the 5-0 win in September 2022 and a 6-0 rout in August 2019. This consistent performance against Angers will undoubtedly instill confidence in the Lyon squad as they approach this fixture.
Current Form & Team News
Olympique Lyonnais
Lyon enters this match in “Very Good” form, currently sitting 3rd in the Ligue 1 table with 3 wins and 1 loss from their opening four matches of the 2025/26 season. Their home form has been particularly impressive, boasting two wins from two matches. In their last five competitive outings, Lyon has recorded four wins and one loss (W-W-W-W-L):
- 14 September 2025: Rennes 3 – 1 Lyon (L)
- 31 August 2025: Lyon 1 – 0 Marseille (W)
- 23 August 2025: Lyon 3 – 0 Metz (W)
- 16 August 2025: Lens 0 – 1 Lyon (W)
- 17 May 2025: Lyon 2 – 0 Angers (W)
Under Paulo Fonseca, Lyon has averaged 1.7 goals per match and maintained 55.6% possession in their last 10 league games, showcasing their attacking intent and control. Key players in form include Georges Mikautadze and Alexandre Lacazette, both of whom have scored 4 goals, and Corentin Tolisso with 3 goals in their last 10 league appearances. Ainsley Maitland-Niles has also been a creative force, providing 3 assists. The predicted lineup for Lyon suggests a strong 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring Dominik Greif in goal, a backline of Maitland-Niles, Clinton Mata, Moussa Niakhate, and Nicolas Tagliafico, with Tanner Tessmann and Corentin Tolisso anchoring the midfield. Rachid Ghezzal, Pavel Sulc, and Malick Fofana are expected to support Khalis Merah upfront.
Angers SCO
Angers enters this fixture in “Poor” overall form, currently positioned 12th in Ligue 1 with a record of 1 win, 2 draws, and 1 loss from four matches this season. Their away form is considered average, with one draw and one loss. In their last five competitive matches, Angers has registered one win, two draws, and two losses (W-L-D-D-L):
- 14 September 2025: Metz 1 – 1 Angers (D)
- 31 August 2025: Angers 1 – 1 Stade Rennais FC (D)
- 22 August 2025: PSG 1 – 0 Angers (L)
- 17 August 2025: Angers 1 – 0 Paris FC (W)
- 17 May 2025: Lyon 2 – 0 Angers (L)
Angers has averaged 0.9 goals per match in their last 10 league games, with a lower average possession of 36.3%. Esteban Lepaul stands out as their primary threat, having scored 5 goals in his last 10 league appearances. Himad Abdelli, Prosper Peter, Jim Allevinah, and Yassin Belkhdim have each contributed 1 goal, while Belkhdim has also provided 2 assists. Manager Alexandre Dujeux is expected to field a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Herve Koffi in goal, protected by Carlens Arcus, Ousmane Camara, Jordan Lefort, and Florent Hanin. Yassin Belkhdim and Haris Belkebla are likely to form the central midfield pairing, with Lilian Rao-Lisoa, Louis Mouton, and Sidiki Cherif supporting lone striker Prosper Peter.
Tactical Preview
Both teams are predicted to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, setting the stage for a tactical battle in the midfield. Lyon, with their higher average possession and passing accuracy, will likely aim to control the tempo of the game, building attacks through their midfield duo of Tessmann and Tolisso. Their attacking threats, particularly Mikautadze and Lacazette, will look to exploit any spaces created by Angers’ defensive setup. Lyon’s tendency to generate numerous attempts on goal (13.5 per match) suggests they will be proactive in seeking scoring opportunities.
Angers, on the other hand, with their lower possession statistics, will probably adopt a more pragmatic approach, focusing on defensive solidity and looking for opportunities to hit Lyon on the counter-attack. The midfield battle will be crucial, as Angers’ Yassin Belkhdim and Haris Belkebla will need to disrupt Lyon’s rhythm and prevent them from dictating play. While Angers has shown defensive resilience by keeping three clean sheets in their last 10 games, Lyon has kept four. Lyon’s defensive solidity, coupled with their attacking prowess, poses a significant challenge for Angers.
Playing at Groupama Stadium in September, pitch conditions are expected to be excellent, providing an ideal environment for flowing football. Lyon will also benefit from not having to travel, which could minimize fatigue compared to their opponents.
