Can Olympique Lyonnais Make It Eight in a Row?

Seven consecutive league titles is an incredible feat, but eight? Surely it can’t be done.

People said exactly the same thing last year when Lyon were chasing their seventh straight title. And almost a year later, we’re facing a similar prospect, this time with Lyon hoping to win their eighth-straight Ligue 1 title.

The French champions begin the new season on Sunday against Toulouse and will be hoping to kick the season off in style. Lyon’s biggest signing of the summer is Jean Makoun from Lille, and the Cameroonian midfielder could even make his league debut for Lyon this weekend.

With a wealth of attacking options, it is hard to bet against Lyon winning their eighth league title of the decade. Karim Benzema knocked in 21 goals last season and was voted Ligue 1 Player of the Year.

The French striker has attracted interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid, but, fortunately for Lyon, he looks set to stay in France for another year.

The departure of Ben Arfa to Marseille will hardly put a dent in Lyon’s chances when the likes of Milan Baros, Fred, and Sidney Govou are all vying for a place alongside Benzema in the centre of Lyon’s attack. Manager Claude Puel will be more than confident of securing another league title.

Lyon only finished four points ahead of runners-up Bordeaux last season but are once again favorites to retain their crown.

Their main challengers this season will most likely be Marseille. Despite losing Samir Nasiri to Arsenal, they look strong after acquiring Hatem Ben Arfa from Lyon and holding on to Djibril Cisse and Boudewin Zenden. Manager Eric Gerets and his side will begin the new season against Rennes.

So, can Lyon make history once again and win an eighth-straight Ligue 1 title? Or will the incredible streak end at last year’s "seventh heaven?"

We shall see.

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