We have reached the 27th round of games in Ligue 1. This weekend sees the second Rhone-Alpes Derby of the season as Saint Etienne head to bitter rivals Lyon with Dennis Bouanga hoping to help Les Verts looking to complete the league double. Leaders Paris Saint-Germain host Dijon, Marseille head to Nimes, Rennes travel to Toulouse while there is a crucial clash at the bottom as Amiens host Metz.
Ligue 1 Predictions
Saint Etienne Looking to Complete League Double Over Lyon
Lyon and Saint Etienne meet in arguably their most crucial encounter in recent seasons. Both sides are in disappointing league form and are desperate to ignite their seasons and a derby win could be the tonic. When the two sides last met, Claude Puel was taking charge for the first time while Sylvinho would be taking charge for the last time. The managers may have changed for both clubs but the similar struggles on the pitch are clear for all to see.
Saint Etienne head to their bitter rivals looking to complete the league double having snatched a last gasp winner when they met back in October. Dennis Bounaga caused mayhem for Lyon’s backline in that game and the Gabonese attacker is the likely match-winner for Les Verts having notched nine league goals, and he made a much-needed return to the scoresheet against Reims. Another derby success could be the necessary kickstart Saint Etienne crave having won just once in their last ten games. A win is vital for Saint Etienne with Claude Puel’s side just two points clear of the relegation zone.
Despite their league form being largely inconsistent, its been a rare good week for Rudi Garcia and Lyon. Les Gones saw off Metz before producing an outstanding performance against Juventus in the Champions League. There should be plenty of confidence causing through the Lyon players, but they are aware they need a win on Sunday. Lyon are six adrift of the Champions League places and must find back to back wins for the first-time mid-January.
As Well As Saint Etienne, Amiens Also Need a Vital Win
Amiens face a crucial clash of their own as they welcome Metz. Luka Elsner’s side are desperate for a win to kick their survival charge back into gear having gone 14 league games without a win. Their opponents, Metz, are hovering dangerously above the bottom three having not won in their last four.
Despite some recent improved performances, wins still elude Elsner and his team. They concede cheap goals and ultimately struggle to keep them out. However, they have positive performances to build on having drawn their last two games. They were excellent against PSG despite conceding four disappointing goals, but their defensive display was much better as they kept out Strasbourg to collect a vital clean sheet. Elsner now needs a complete performance with goals and solidity at the back.
A crucial component of this game is Metz are missing top scorer Habib Diallo who is suspended. It’s a huge blow for the visitors as they look to ease their relegation concerns. The 12-goal striker is certainly a huge loss for the visitors, but Frederic Antonetti will be confident his side can still get a positive result.
LWOF Ligue 1 Predictions
Friday’s Game
Nimes v Marseille
Both sides head to this game looking to respond from league losses last time out. Nimes saw their four-match winning run end but head into this looking for a third straight home win. Marseille saw their fourteen game unbeaten run end but haven’t lost away from him since the end of October.
Nimes 1-1 Marseille
Saturday’s Games
Amiens v Metz
A crucial clash for both sides. Amiens are winless in fourteen, Metz are winless in four. A game neither side dare not lose.
Amiens 1-0 Metz
Brest v Angers
Brest are enjoying a good run of form going unbeaten in their last four games collecting six points. Visitors Angers collected a vital win last time out and will be hunting consecutive league wins for the first time since September.
Brest 2-0 Angers
Monaco v Reims
Monaco head into this seeking a fourth win in five games. Reims are in decent form themselves losing just once in their last five games.
Monaco 1-0 Reims
Montpellier v Strasbourg
The home side have lost their last two games and need to respond. Visitors Strasbourg are unbeaten in four games collecting eight points.
Montpellier 1-2 Strasbourg
Paris Saint-Germain v Dijon
Leaders PSG are unbeaten in fifteen league games winning thirteen of those. Struggling Dijon have won just once in five but have drawn their last three.
Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 Dijon
Toulouse v Rennes
Ligue 1’s basement side Toulouse are winless in sixteen league games and find themselves fourteen points adrift of safety. Rennes are fresh off a first win in four games and will fancy their chances of recording consecutive wins.
Toulouse 0-2 Rennes
Sunday’s Games
Bordeaux v Nice
Two sides in decent form clash. Bordeaux have lost just once in six, Nice have lost just once in ten but struggle to put a consecutive run of wins together.
Bordeaux 2-1 Nice
Lyon v Saint Etienne
A vital derby for both sides. Lyon are hunting consecutive league wins while Saint Etienne are looking to stop their rot and complete the league double. Arguably their most crucial clash in recent seasons.
Lyon 2-0 Saint Etienne
Nantes v Lille
The home side are fresh off a terrific win at Marseille. They are looking to extend their unbeaten to four matches and secure back to back wins. Visitors Lille are looking for a fifth win in six matches.
Nantes 1-1 Lille
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