Welcome back to the Last Word on Football’s previews and predictions for Ligue 1. We have reached the 19th round of games, the final round of games before the winter break. Paris Saint Germain welcome Amiens, Lille head to Monaco and Lyon head to Reims. There is also a crucial relegation clash as Metz head to Dijon.
Ligue 1 Predictions
In Form Lille Travel to Fortress Monaco
High flying Lille head to Monaco looking for a fifth straight league win. Christophe Galtier’s team have had a perfect December winning all three of their league games. However, their excellent run will be severely tested as they travel to Monaco who are red hot on their own patch.
Leonardo Jardim’s team are in excellent form on their own patch winning their last five league games. However, they suffered a woeful defeat to Lille in the French League Cup and the pressure has cranked on Jardim. There are reports that defeat to Lille could cost the Portuguese manager his job for the second time at Monaco. They have been largely inconsistent this season with Monaco sat 9th in the table six points off the Champions League places.
However, they have a decent home record against Lille last losing to them in 2009. Christophe Galtier will fancy his side can repeat their midweek performance. A good game in prospect between two European football contenders.
Another Week, Another Crucial Relegation Clash for Dijon
For the second consecutive week, Dijon faces a relegation rival as they welcome Metz. Stephane Jobard’s team face another key game as they look to steer clear from danger. However, their home record against Metz is poor winning just once in the last eight meetings. Their recent form has dipped with Dijon winless in four games. A win against Metz will open a four-point cushion between themselves and the relegation zone heading into 2020.
Metz is in desperate need of a win having gone eight games without a win. The visitors are struggling for wins and although, they are difficult to beat, finding a win is proving hard for the newly-promoted club. They sit in the relegation zone, but should they maintain their excellent record in Dijon, they could be out of the bottom three. A big game for both clubs as both aim to save themselves from relegation.
LWOF Ligue 1 Predictions
Dijon vs Metz
Crucial clash in the relegation battle. Both in poor form, both in desperate need of a win. Dijon winless in four, Metz winless in six. Something has got to give.
Dijon 2-1 Metz
Marseille vs Nimes
Andre Villas-Boas’ team face struggling Nimes looking to extend their unbeaten run to eight games. A seventh win in eight would crown an excellent first half of the season. Nimes just cannot win a game. September was the last time they tasted victory. 11 games without a win and the pressure continues to mount on Bernard Blaquart
Marseille 2-0 Nimes
Monaco vs Lille
In form Lille head to Monaco aiming to secure a fifth straight league win. Monaco will hope to extend their winning run at home to six games. Good game expected here.
Monaco 1-1 Lille
Montpellier vs Brest
Michel Der Zakarian’s side have hit bad form collecting just one win in five games. They have dipped at the wrong time. Brest’s is identical winning just once in five. Both will aim to finish 2019 on a high.
Montpellier 2-0 Brest
Nantes vs Angers
Nantes are back in the groove after a rotten run. Christian Gourcuff’s side have won three of their last four games. Angers’ form has dipped with Stephane Moulin’s side winless in four. A tight game expected between two teams who struggle to score goals
Nantes 1-0 Angers
Nice vs Toulouse
Inconsistency is the main word to describe Nice’s season thus far. They have not registered back to back wins since winning their opening two league games back in August. They will be aiming to finish the year three league games unbeaten. Their opponents Toulouse are in rotten form losing their last eight league games.
Nice 3-1 Toulouse
Paris Saint Germain vs Amiens
Leaders PSG will be looking to extend their winning run to six games. Amiens need a morale boost and shock win in Paris could be the trick. However, their form is poor with Luka Elsner’s team winless in five.
Paris Saint Germain 3-0 Amiens
Reims vs Lyon
David Guion’s Reims are having a tremendous season. They are unbeaten in five and looking for a third straight league win. Meanwhile, Lyon are looking to respond after a late loss to Rennes. They need something having lost two of their last three games.
Reims 1-1 Lyon
Rennes vs Bordeaux
Red hot Rennes welcome Bordeaux. The home side have won their last four league games and are full of confidence. Bordeaux need a response having lost their last two league games.
Rennes 2-1 Bordeaux
Strasbourg vs Saint Etienne
Thierry Laurey’s Strasbourg are finishing 2019 well winning their last two league games. Saint Etienne, in contrast, have lost three of their last four and Claude Puel’s honeymoon period appears to be over. Both teams will want to crown the first half of the season with a win
Strasbourg 2-2 Saint Etienne
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