We have reached the 26th round of games in Ligue 1. This weekend sees in-form Marseille hosting Nantes with youngster Marley Ake and Dario Benedetto hoping to help Marseille extend their terrific run. Paris Saint Germain host Bordeaux, Rennes welcome Nimes while Toulouse faces the last side they beat in Ligue 1 as they travel to Lille. Last Word on Football previews and predicts the latest round of fixtures.
Ligue 1 Predictions
Marseille Aim to Extend Unbeaten Run
Marley Ake Starred For Marseille Against Lille
Marseille kick off Saturday’s action with a clash against mid-table Nantes. Andre Villas-Boas’ team are enjoying a terrific run of form going fourteen games unbeaten winning eleven of those including their last three.
Dario Benedetto returned to scoring ways against Lille and he could the key man this weekend. The Argentine has eight league goals since arriving in the summer while Marley Ake also impressed as the youngster starred in attack and will be hoping to be involved this weekend. Marseille face a Nantes side who are winless in five games and find themselves stuck in mid-table as Christian Gourcuff tries to plot a way to get their season back on track.
Marseille’s season has been excellent thus far and Champions League qualification is in their sights. Their 14-match unbeaten run will be severely tested against a Nantes side who need to respond themselves after a disappointing run of form. Christian Gourcuff’s team are winless in five and overall their start to 2020 has been disappointing collecting just five points from six games. Only Saint Etienne, Amiens and Toulouse have collected fewer points in that time meaning their form needs to pick up and fast.
However, they have a decent recent record against Marseille going unbeaten in their last four meetings between the two sides. They have also collected four points from their last two visits to the Stade Velodrome. Marseille will face a stern examination of how far they have come, and victory will see them close the gap to seven points on leaders Paris Saint Germain. Victory for the visitors could see them climb as high as eighth if results go their way elsewhere.
As Marseille Aim For 15 Unbeaten, Toulouse Are Looking For A First Win in 16 Games
While Marseille are flying high in second place on a 15-match unbeaten run, basement club Toulouse are enduring a miserable season and are currently 15 league games without a win. Les Violets haven’t won a league game since the 19th of October and they now find themselves fourteen points adrift of 17th place Nimes.
It has been a disastrous campaign for Toulouse, with relegation looking like a case of when and not if. They are on their third manager of the season with Denis Zanko stepping down from the sporting director role to try and ignite their season. But he has taken just a point from his six matches in charge leaving fans hugely alienated and unhappy with where the club is heading.
However, Toulouse face the last side they beat in Ligue 1 as they travel to Lille, who are looking to bounce back after losing to Marseille last time out. Despite that loss, Christophe Galtier’s side are in good form winning three of their last four games and need the win to maintain their place in the top four. They have key striker Victor Osimhen fully fit after his injury against Angers wasn’t as bad as first feared.
It’s a key game for both sides as Lille look to maintain their Champions League place while Toulouse are desperate to arrest their winless streak and ignite a late survival charge.
LWOF Ligue 1 Predictions
Friday’s Games
Metz vs Lyon
Lyon’s form has been hugely disappointing collecting just eight points from their last six games. They are winless in four and find themselves in the bottom half of the table. The pressure is increasing on Rudi Garcia. In contrast, Metz have been enjoying a revival in form in 2020 losing just once in six matches. A tough game ahead for Lyon
Prediction: Metz 0-1 Lyon
Nice vs Brest
Nice are looking to maintain their strong start to 2020 having collected nine points from six games losing just once. They are seeking back to back league wins for the first time since August. Brest are three unbeaten and will take that confidence to the South of France.
Nice 2-0 Brest
Saturday’s Games
Angers vs Montpellier
Angers’ form is dreadful losing their last four games and overall collecting just one win in their last eleven games. Montpellier are looking to respond to their loss against Monaco
Angers 1-0 Montpellier
Dijon vs Monaco
Dijon are winless in three, Monaco have won their last three and are enjoying their best run under Roberto Moreno
Dijon 1-2 Monaco
Lille vs Toulouse
The home side have won three of their last four, Toulouse are fifteen games without a win and becoming alienated at the bottom.
Lille 2-0 Toulouse
Marseille vs Nantes
In form, Marseille are fifteen unbeaten and have won their last three games. Nantes are winless in five but have a good recent record against the hosts.
Marseille 1-0 Nantes
Strasbourg vs Amiens
Strasbourg are enjoying a good run of form collecting seven points from their last three games while the visitors are winless in thirteen games and are beginning to get cut adrift in the relegation zone.
Strasbourg 3-1 Amiens
Sunday’s Games
Paris Saint Germain vs Bordeaux
The league leaders are unbeaten in thirteen games and are seeking a fourth win in five games. They are also looking to respond to their disappointing loss to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. Bordeaux are unbeaten in five and head to the capital full of confidence.
Paris Saint Germain 2-0 Bordeaux
Rennes vs Nimes
Two sides in contrasting form meet. Rennes are winless in three games and have collected just one win in five. In contrast, Nimes have won their last four league games.
Rennes 2-1 Nimes
Saint Etienne vs Reims
Les Verts are in dreadful form losing nine of their last eleven games and find themselves just two points clear of the relegation zone. Reims head to Saint Etienne in confident mood having won their last game.
Saint Etienne 1-0 Reims
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