As we enter November, France’s Ligue 1 is nicely poised for an exciting conclusion to the year! Can Nice keep up their remarkable form that has seen them top the standings, and can Lyon finally get off the mark?
Friday
9/4 Montpellier | Draw 47/20 | Nice 12/10 (22:00)
Log leaders Nice take on Montpellier who sit in 13th spot ahead of this clash. The visitors have been almost perfect in recent weeks – winning four of their last five games while they last lost a game in the opening week of the new season. For the hosts, this clash comes after they were humbled to a 3-0 at the hands of PSG, and I cannot see them getting anything from it. Nice for the win at 12/10.
Saturday
37/10 Reims | Draw 33/10 | PSG 6/10 (18:00)
Chasers PSG are hot on the heels of Nice with just a single point separating the two teams. The reigning champions are away to Reims in a fiery encounter that should live up to expectations. Reims have also been in fine form with just one defeat in their last five games. They beat Lorient and Nantes before this game, and their confidence should be high coming into this one. Both Teams to Score (YES) – 6/10.
32/10 Le Havre | Draw 28/10 | Monaco 15/20 (22:00)
Monaco have fallen from the top and are in third spot ahead of their clash with Le Havre at the Stade Oceane on Saturday. With 25 goals scored so far, Monaco is amongst the deadliest attacks in the league, but their defeat to Lille has seen them get leapfrogged by PSG and Nice. I still think they are playing impressive football, and a win is certain here against an inconsistent Havre. Monaco win – 15/20.
Sunday
Brest | Draw | Strasbourg
POSTPONED
11/10 Clermont Foot | Draw 23/10 | Lorient 24/10 (16:00)
Lorient’s poor displays have seen them drop to 15th on the log, but their next game should provide a clear chance for them to bounce back to winning ways. They take on fellow strugglers Clermont Foot (17th) knowing that a win could elevate them up into the top 10 depending on other results. First Team to Score (Lorient) – 13/10.
18/10 Metz | Draw 23/10 | Nantes 14/10 (16:00)
Metz are winless in their last five games ahead of their home encounter with Nantes. The visitors have hit a slump where they have suffered back-to-back defeats including a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Lens. But they will certainly fancy a win here in order to minimise the gap from the teams above them. Nantes to win at 14/10.
11/20 Lille | Draw 33/10 | Toulouse 46/10 (16:00)
Lille and Toulouse meet at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Sunday as Toulouse aim to het their first win in five games. They have been dismal of late, and even saw Le Havre come back to win 2-1 against them last week after they had scored first. I say it’s Lille’s game to lose. First Team to Score: Lille – 9/20.
7/10 Rennes | Draw 3/1 | Lyon 34/10 (18:05)
Rennes will look to bounce back to winning ways when they welcome bottom-rooted Lyon on Sunday afternoon. Rennes have conceded in each of their last five league matches and will aim to keep a clean sheet in this one. Meanwhile, Lyon are yet to win this season, and are all but relegated this season. Rennes for the win at 7/10.
27/10 Lens | Draw 47/20 | Marseille 19/10 (21:45)
Marseille would love to be higher up the log but currently occupy 9th spot after picking up just one win from their last five games. Their inconsistency has hurt them in crucial games as they even failed to get something out of their home clash with Lille last weekend. Lens are also just as concerned with their form. Two wins from their last five matches is an okay return, but what is eve more impressive is that they have not lost in that period. Lens for the home win – 27/10.
Written by Mlu Mdletshe