Welcome back to the Last Word on Football’s previews and predictions for Ligue 1. We have reached the 13th round of matches and Paris Saint-Germain’s lead is now seven points following their recent loss. The next round of matches sees Rudi Garcia return to Marseille with Lyon, PSG travel to Brest and struggling Strasbourg and Nimes clash.
Rudi Garcia Returns to Marseille for the First Time Since Leaving
Both Sides are Hunting a Third Win in Four Games
Marseille and Lyon clash at the Stade Velodrome with both sides hunting a third win in four matches having shown improvement in recent weeks. Rudi Garcia has started well at Lyon having gone unbeaten in his opening three league games, collecting seven points. However, his record will be tested against his former club, whom he returns to for the first time since being sacked in May.
Andre Villas-Boas has seen his side respond to their trashing from PSG and now he will be aiming to secure back to back wins. The start of September was the last time Marseille notched consecutive league wins. However, they have lost their last five meetings with Lyon and the pressure is on to turn that around.
Lyon are in buoyant mood having beaten Benfica in the Champions League. Les Gones are hunting a fourth straight win in all competitions which represents their best run of the season. Their recent record against Marseille is excellent and a sixth consecutive win will take them above their opponents in the table.
Two Teams Fresh off Victories Clash on the Riviera
Nice and Bordeaux meet in the opening game of the weekend. Patrick Vieira’s team collected a first win in seven games while Paulo Sousa’s Bordeaux notched a first win in three games.
Nice have been largely disappointing this season having won just two games in their last eight having won three of their opening four games. Conceding cheap goals has been the problem but they kept a much-needed clean sheet against Reims. Vieira admitted they must play better after a nervy performance against Reims. Victory against Bordeaux will see them climb above their opponents.
Bordeaux are in confident mood having breezed past Nantes in the Atlantique derby. Sousa’s team were excellent, and he will hope his side carry that momentum into the Nice match. However, they have a terrible record in Nice losing their last four games conceding ten goals. 2014 was the last time Bordeaux tasted success in this part of France. But victory will see Bordeaux go second in the table.
LWOF Predictions
Nice v Bordeaux
Two teams fresh off victories. Both are seeking back to back league wins. Nice hunting back to back wins for the first time since August. Bordeaux aiming to secure consecutive wins for the first time this season.
Nice 1-1 Bordeaux
Brest v Paris Saint-Germain
A stern examination for newly promoted Brest. Olivier Dall’oglio’s team are looking to respond from their loss to Amiens. Brest are hunting a third straight home win. Paris Saint Germain were stunned by Dijon last time out. Thomas Tuchel will expect a response from his team
Brest 1-3 Paris Saint Germain
Lille v Metz
Lille are imperious on their own pitch. Only Nimes have taken points from Stade Pierre Mauroy this season. Lille are in sticky league form winning just once in their last five. Metz like Lille have also notched one win in the last five. They threw a two-goal lead away against Montpellier. They will need to shore things up against a strong Lille team.
Lille 2-0 Metz
Monaco v Dijon
The Principality Stadium is finally a fortress again for Monaco. Leonardo Jardim’s team are hunting a fourth straight home win. Dijon are fresh off their famous comeback against Paris Saint Germain. Stephane Jobard’s team are hunting back to back wins and a second big scalp in a row.
Monaco 2-1 Dijon
Reims v Angers
Reims’ resolute defence was breached twice last time out. They suffered a first loss in four matches. Despite this, Reims are hunting a third win in five games. Angers collected a much-needed win against Strasbourg but are winless in their last two away games.
Reims 1-0 Angers
Strasbourg v Nimes
A crucial clash at the bottom of the table. Strasbourg have lost three of their last four games. However, they are hunting consecutive home wins. Nimes cannot buy a win. The visitors have won just once in their last seven and are on the longest winless streak in Ligue 1.
Strasbourg 1-0 Nimes
Marseille v Lyon
A tasty clash between two sides chasing the Champions League places. Marseille are looking to secure back to back wins. Lyon are hunting a third straight league win under Rudi Garcia.
Marseille 2-2 Lyon
Montpellier v Toulouse
Two sides in need of win meet. Montpellier are winless in three games while Toulouse have lost their last two games. Montpellier are very difficult to beat at home. Toulouse are winless on their travels
Montpellier 2-1 Toulouse
Nantes v Saint Etienne
Nantes’ early form has dipped with Christian Gourcuff’s side losing their last three league games. Saint Etienne remain unbeaten under Claude Puel notching ten points from his four league games in charge.
Nantes 0-0 Saint Etienne
Rennes v Amiens
Rennes face an improving Amiens team. Julian Stephan’s team are seeking back to back league wins. They are also hunting consecutive home wins for the first time since August. Luka Elsner’s Amiens are going well losing just once since the beginning of September. They are unbeaten in five and scoring goals.
Rennes 2-2 Amiens
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