by Jamie Frier

Created on: February 20, 2007   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

I think it will be a huge waste of money if anyone bets on anyone other than Olympique Lyonnais to win this year. They have 13 points more than the second placed team, Lens, and have a huge goal difference of 26, which is 15 more than Lens.
Lyon have been dominant in their league for the past 5 years. They were runners up in 2001-02 then won it for the past five seasons in a row, the first club in French history to do so. They have one of the best free kick takers in the world in Juninho Perambucca and he is incredibly influential in his role in the midfield. Lyon will be very pleased with him recently signing a contract extension until 2009 which should prolong their dominance. Gerard Houllier has organised them into an excellently organised unit and they have joined Monaco as one of the few French teams to make an impact in Europe. Houllier did fantastically with Liverpool to win them the UEFA Cup and has continued his success with Lyon. He has shown excellent tactical nous and it is little coincidence that their dominance coincides with his arrival.

Lens do have the faintest chance of springing a surprise. They are the closest team to Lyon and are five points clear of third place. If Lens are able to get a run together then they could put Lyon under pressure. Lyon have dominated so much over the past five years that a little bit of competition may derail them and if they start to slip then they could be worried. However because they have won so many championships and are experienced, both the players and manager, that psychologically they should still be confident.
Lyon are the strongest team and i believe that as long as Houllier and Juninho are there their dominance shall continue

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