The French league 1 opening match . Defending champion Lyon will visit Nantes. Due to many world cup players have not back for training. Lyon's request to postpone their Ligue 1 opener against Nantes .
Les Gones, the five-time champions, had initially approached the French football league (LFP) last month to ask if the match could be played at a later date, in order to allow their international stars more time to prepare for the curtain-raiser.
France's Gregory Coupet, Sidney Govou, Sylvain Wiltord, Eric Abidal and Florent Malouda, Brazilians Juninho, Cris and Fred, and Tiago of Portugal all took part in the World Cup this summer and are not expected back in training until Saturday.
However, the LFP refused to allow them more time to get ready for the campaign, much to the annoyance of Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas.
Probable line-up
NANTES : Stojkovic - Cubilier, Cetto, Guillon , Signorino - Fae, Saidou, Wilhelmsson, Boukhari, Capoue - M. Diallo.
LYON : Vercoutre - Clerc, Cacapa, Squillaci, Berthod - Ben Arfa, Toulalan or Pedretti, Diarra, Kallstrom, Benzema - Carew
With more than half a team missing, and it's the first match. half ball for visitor is expensive.
take the homeside and accept the half ball handicap.
