The league of talents brings us football fans a round of gripping action!
Monaco is on a five-match win streak when they engage Lyon, who were dealt a heavy blow being knocked out of title contention.
Paris Saint-Germain play host to one of the league’s hardest team to beat, Lens, who are riding a 13-game unbeaten spell in the league, while log leaders, Lille, welcome Nice to their backyard, amidst speculation of their coach Christopher Galtier joining the away team in the new season.
It’s time to get into it, as we race down the final stretch of Ligue 1.
Friday 30 April
Marseille 9/10
Draw 26/10
Strasbourg 29/10
(21:00)
Marseille look to keep their bid for European football going by keeping pressure on fifth-placed Lens. In their game against Reims they were effective in creating opportunities down the flanks through possession play, and favouring short passing, especially down the right wing through man of the match player, Dimitri Payet. The away team have one win in their last six, and their run of form will not improve against The Olympians. Favour the home team in their pursuits with a favourable 9/10.
Saturday 1 May
Paris Saint-Germain 1/3
Draw 44/10
Lens 13/2
(17:00)
The away team are fending off opponents for their spot in Europe, and currently hold the longest unbeaten streak in Ligue 1 at 13 games, but their remaining four games sees them take on the top three as well as Bordeaux. Mauricio Pochettino’s hunt for a treble took a blow after losing to Manchester City at Le Parc de Princes in the midweek Champions League fixture but are still in the running in their domestic campaign, and an upcoming Coup de France semi-final against Montpellier. Paris Saint-Germaine have to take it to Lens, and vice versa. Both Teams To Score (Yes) & Over 2.5 will definitely be joining my multiple at even money.
Lille 9/20
Draw 7/2
Nice 6/1
(21:00)
Lille had to fend off at least one of the chasing pack and did so brilliantly against Lyon in a 3-2 away win. This leaves PSG and Monaco on their tails and their fate now rests in their hands. Nice play a beautiful possession-based game through their impressive passing play and movement off the ball that sees them fifth on the Ligue 1 statistics for most successful passes. The first fixture between these two had both teams settle for one goal apiece. I do not see much goals in this fixture, but all three points will go to the hosts, select Lille & Under 3.5 Goals at 11/10.
Sunday 2 May
Bordeaux 7/2
Draw 28/10
Rennes 15/20
(13:00)
The home team are on a downward spiral, having lost five consecutive games. Bordeaux come up against Rennes, who have recently turned a five-game losing streak into a six-game unbeaten streak with a single draw and five wins. The value on Rennes is not quite where I expected it to be, but two points shy of Europa League is motivation enough to dismantle a struggling team. Stade Rennes will inflict damage in their opponents’ backyard and walk away with three points.
Brest 33/20
Draw 47/20
Nantes 16/10
(15:00)
Brest is one of three teams to work their way through the defence of Ligue 1 log-leaders, Lille, this season, but that seems to be the only run of form they saw this season, struggling to put back-to-back wins since November. Nantes, on the other hand, have not put together back-to-back wins the entire season. The Yellow house has been through four coaches this campaign. Current hot seat candidate, Antoine Kombouare, is now also under scrutiny despite being in charge for three of the clubs eight wins. The draw is something to definitely consider.
Dijon 11/4
Draw 47/20
Metz 21/20
(15:00)
The away team are on a poor run of form but coming up against already relegated Dijon who were dealt another blow in their 5-1 away defeat, they will fancy their chances. Metz have managed just one goal in their last five fixtures, but to their defence, they faced Monaco twice, Lille, and PSG also played out to a goalless draw with Reims. The opportunity for a victory is now, and a Metz win at 21/20 is the banker for the weekend.
Lorient 17/20
Draw 51/20
Angers 31/10
(15:00)
Lorient dismantled Bordeaux in their last outing and will carry momentum coming into this fixture. Les Merlus at home have lost just two fixtures this year at the hands of Lille and Monaco who are both in title contention. The away team has not scored in four consecutive games conceding a total of 12 goals. Put your money on Lorient to get the job done.
Nimes 5/4
Draw 47/20
Reims 22/10
(15:00)
Both teams in this fixture are woeful, with no wins in their last four. The home team is still stuck in the drop zone, and a win is essential in this fixture if they have any hope of clawing their way out. Reims are one point away from being statistically clear of relegation, and I feel that is their only motivation aside from pride in their remaining fixtures. Back the draw in this encounter.
Montpellier 14/10
Draw 23/10
Saint-Etienne 19/10
(17:05)
Montpellier’s 11 game unbeaten run came to an abrupt halt with Nice. The head-to-head history sees St. Etienne triumphant, but Les Verts have suffered two losses on-the-trot. A Montpellier bounce back against St. Etienne can be predicted as this gameweeks value bet.
Monaco 12/10
Draw 26/10
Lyon 2/1
(21:00)
The headline fixture of the weekend is without a doubt Monaco vs Lyon. The away team were defeated by log-leaders Lille last time out and now under serious scrutiny finding themselves out of contention for silverware. The Olympians have not lost back-to-back fixtures in the league this season, and this fixture has the potential to upset the applecart. Rudi Garcia has a fully fit squad to choose from, and possible Ligue 1 player of the year nominee, Memphis Depay, will be the key target. The home team will be aiming for another win in this fixture adding to their phenomenal form, as well as maintaining their hopes for domestic glory. Monaco boast form of seven wins in a row and nine consecutive clean sheets across all competitions. Niko Kovac’s team secured a 0-2 quarter-final victory in the Coupe de France over Lyon just two weeks ago and will carry that in mind. Monaco will take this win through a defensive masterclass.
TREBLE @ 7/1
Metz Win 21/20
Lorient Win 17/20
Monaco Win 12/10
Written by Joshua Gaillard