Lyon face Sochaux hurdle in French Cup

By Julien Pretot

PARIS (Reuters) - Olympique Lyon resume their quest for a first French Cup in 35 years when they host holders Sochaux in a last 16 tie on Tuesday (2000 GMT).

The Ligue 1 leaders, on course for a record seventh consecutive title, have not won the Cup since they beat Nantes 2-1 in the 1973 final.

It will be the fourth meeting of the season between Sochaux and Lyon, who have the edge with two wins in Ligue 1 and a victory in the season opening Trophy of Champions.

"We will have to be at our best if we want to go through," Lyon coach Alain Perrin told the club's Web site.

"In the Cup, you have to be good on the day because you can't make up for a defeat in the next round."

Perrin may have to reshuffe his line-up after Ivory Coast striker Kader Keita, who hit a double in a 3-0 thrashing of Monaco on Saturday, injured his ankle and knee.

"It is too soon to know if he will be able to play," said Perrin.

Brazil midfielder Juninho is expected to be ruled out with a thigh injury while France winger Sidney Govou is doubtful with a hamstring problem.