Lyon vs Caen preview - Lyon set to sit out January sales

Posted Thursday, December 11, 2014 by PA

Lyon manager Hubert Fournier is wary about moving into the winter transfer market because of the danger of spending good money on a future flop.

Wins against Reims and Evian have put Lyon back on track after a derby defeat to St Etienne, and they stand third in Ligue 1 heading into Friday night's home match against Caen.

There will be a temptation among some managers to spend in the January window, but Fournier has his doubts about the quality of player that can be attracted in mid-season.

It was music to Fournier's ears when Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas recently said none of the club's players would be moving on next month, and that confirmation may mean there are no new arrivals either.

"His comments come on the back of our results so far this season," Fournier told Lyon's website.

"It would be silly to break this dynamic we have created by letting players leave. Will we see any arrivals? You can't ask for too much. I don't think it's essential. Winter signings are rarely a success..."

Lyon have a doubt over Yoann Gourcuff, who has groin and back problems, but are close to full strength.

Since losing three of their opening four league games, Lyon have rebuilt their season, and Fournier said: "The danger is to think that we have done the hardest part... but I haven't seen anything that suggests that's the case."

Only Marseille and Paris St Germain have scored more goals on their travels in Ligue 1 this season than Caen, who nevertheless stand second-bottom of the table. Caen have also won only once home or away in the league since August.

After ending a 12-year association with Lyon in the summer, Friday's match will be a special occasion for Caen goalkeeper Remy Vercoutre.

"I'm very happy to be going back," he said on Caen's website.

Vercoutre, 34, is hoping for an upset but knows the quality in the Lyon ranks.

He said: "When we looked at the calendar at the start of the season and how Caen would get on, certain fixtures looked like a bonus.

"Against Lyon, this impression is reinforced by the form of the two teams.

"We have to believe in our chances. The more we do in the match, the more we will have the chance to come away with a positive result."