The Racing Club de Strasbourg is set to host Olympique Lyonnais in a highly anticipated Ligue 1 match, marking the 27th game day. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:45, and all eyes are on Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior's team selections.

Rosenior, a rising star in Ligue 1 management, described the fixture as significant but not decisive. He emphasized the importance of each game while maintaining focus on the matches ahead. The young British coach (40 years old) remembers the reverse fixture, where Strasbourg led 2-0 before succumbing to a 2-4 defeat against Lyon.

Strasbourg faces challenges going into this game. Key midfielder Habib Diarra is sidelined due to injury. However, there is hope that Ismaël Doukouré will recover from a minor injury sustained during a recent Under-21 international game. Rosenior closely monitors the condition of players involved with national teams, acknowledging the good fortune of having fewer players away on international duty this time.

The likely starting eleven for Strasbourg will lean on their star players. This includes Petrovic in goal, Emegha and Santos leading the attack, and Doué, Moreira, and Bakwa in midfield. The expected lineup is: Petrovic – Doué, Sylla, Sarr – Bakwa, Santos, Barco, Moreira – Lemarechal, Nanasi – Emegha.

Meanwhile, Lyon arrives with its own set of concerns. Malick Fofana will miss the match due to a knee injury, while Rayan Cherki's participation is uncertain because of an ankle problem. The added complication of key players, Thiago Almada and Nicolas Tagliafico, playing an international match against Brazil just hours before adds another layer of difficulty.

This game promises to be a compelling encounter between two teams with contrasting situations. Strasbourg will attempt to capitalize on their current form and secure a valuable win against a weakened Lyon side. The tactical battle, particularly given the absentees and differing styles of play, will likely determine the outcome. The match will undoubtedly serve as an important test for both teams.

In short: Liam Rosenior, Strasbourg's manager, is preparing to face Olympique Lyonnais on Friday evening for the 27th Ligue 1 matchday. Despite Habib Diarra's absence due to injury, Rosenior hopes to have Ismaël Doukouré available. Strasbourg is expected to field a competitive team including Petrovic, Emegha, and Doué to maintain their positive run of form.