Puel primed for Fiorentina sequel

Coach Claude Puel warned against reading too much into Olympique Lyonnais' success against ACF Fiorentina last term as they prepare to meet Cesare Prandelli's side in the group stage once again. The Group E match at the Stade de Gerland is an exact rerun of their opening fixture of the last UEFA Champions League season, when Lyon fought back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw.

Quotes
Claude Puel, Lyon coach
Just because we beat them 2-1 in Italy last year, we shouldn't think we have a psychological advantage. We drew 2-2 at home before that, when Fiorentina had a two-goal lead at half-time. It's a new season for us. We have made a number of changes to our squad while Fiorentina have kept practically the same team. They know each other really well, so it will be difficult for us. We have made a good start this season, but you have to wait before judging us, you need a full season before drawing conclusions. I think three teams will contest the two qualifying places – Liverpool, Lyon and Fiorentina – yet we also have to pay attention to Debrecen. We are not afraid of Fiorentina, but we have a lot of respect for them. They are great up front and we'll have to be wary of Gilardino and Jovetić's partnership. Lisandro has been training on his own recently, but his fitness is improving.

Cesare Prandelli, Fiorentina coach
Lyon are a very strong team, well-organised and blessed with quality individuals. I think Lyon as a team are better than last year. That's why we'll have to start the game with the right enthusiasm, courage and spirit. But we are here to have fun as well and show we can win. The pitch might not be in the best condition because of the rain, but we are used to playing good football and that's what we want to do against Lyon. We can win. Mutu has been named in the squad so we'll see what happens.

Key stats
• Lyon are competing in the UEFA Champions League group stage for the tenth season running and have progressed to the knockout rounds in each of the past six campaigns.

• Fiorentina have proved hard to beat on their recent travels in UEFA club competition, losing just one of their last eight games on the road.

• Lyon have won none of their last four home meetings against Serie A visitors including last season's Matchday 1 encounter between the two teams.

• On that occasion, Alberto Gilardino gave the visitors a two-goal lead by half-time, but Lyon fought back in the final 20 minutes through Frédéric Piquionne and Karim Benzema.

Team news
• Lyon
Out: Anderson (knee), Ederson (ankle), Jean-Alain Boumsong (groin)
Doubtful: Lisandro (groin)
Suspended: none
Misses next match if booked: none

• Fiorentina
Out: José Ignacio Castillo (knee), Lorenzo De Silvestri (knee), Per Krøldrup (gastroenteritis)
Doubtful: Adrian Mutu (thigh)
Suspended: Cristiano Zanetti
Misses next match if booked: none

Weekend results
12/09/09 Lyon 1-0 FC Lorient
(Bastos 72)

13/09/09 Fiorentina 1-0 Cagliari Calcio
(Gilardino 55)

Did you know?
Gilardino was in the AC Milan team that beat Lyon in the 2005/06 quarter-finals.