The French Ligue 1 is back this weekend after a brief winter break, with Strasbourg taking on Guingamp to kick off the action.
We’re now halfway through the 2018/19 Ligue 1 season, and as expected, the top of the table is dominated by PSG, followed closely by Monaco, Lyon, and Marseille.
The highlight of the week is the exciting clash as Nantes host PSG at Stade de la Beaujoire, while Stade Rennais welcomes Marseille in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Friday 12 January
Strasbourg 13/10 | Draw 9/4 | Guingamp 43/20
We kick off in north-eastern France as Strasbourg hosts Guingamp. Strasbourg were in stellar form before the break and would have hated the pause, being unbeaten in five games including a memorable 2-1 victory against PSG.
Guingamp also showed strong form pre-break, unbeaten in five matches and only conceding once, except for a narrow 1-0 loss away to Marseille. Although the break makes form analysis tricky, we believe Strasbourg should just edge this one. At 13/10, the odds are definitely worth a punt!
Saturday 13 January
Stade Rennais 26/10 | Draw 23/10 | Marseille 21/20
Next up, Stade Rennais face Marseille at the picturesque Roazhon Park. Rennais were on fire pre-break with three straight wins following a disappointing draw with Metz and will fancy their odds at home against Payet and company.
Marseille have had an excellent season, just three points shy of third place Lyon. They were narrowly beaten by Lyon before the break then bounced back with a solid 3-1 win over Troyes. On paper, Marseille hold the stronger squad and are progressing well, so backing them at just over even money looks smart.
Dijon 8/10 | Draw 26/10 | Metz 34/10
Can underdogs Metz continue their streak against Dijon, who are outperforming expectations in mid-table? Dijon has shown great spirit, securing wins over Montpellier and Strasbourg pre-break, giving fans hope for survival.
Dijon sits comfortably mid-table but lacks consistency recently (WLWLWL). Both teams have been involved in high-scoring affairs, so betting on over 2.5 goals at 17/20 is a promising option.
Troyes 43/20 | Draw 43/20 | Bordeaux 27/20
This week’s duel features two struggling teams: Troyes and Bordeaux. Both would have welcomed the winter break. Honestly, this isn’t the best bet; if forced, a cautious draw at 43/20 could be considered. Best to avoid this one for weekend multiples.
Nice 13/20 | Draw 26/10 | Amiens 17/4
Nice has surged up the table, now sitting sixth with hopes for a Champions League spot, remaining unbeaten in five games pre-break (four wins, one draw).
Balotelli’s squad will be confident versus Amiens, who lost four straight before the break, slipping to 13th place. Backing Nice at 13/20 is a safe bet and perfect for weekend multiples.
Caen 14/10 | Draw 39/20 | Lille 9/4
Caen’s good runs have faded, now seeking their first win in five matches as Lille visit.
Lille struggles have them down at 18th, but they offered hope with wins over Lyon and Toulouse before losses to PSG and Dijon. A tight match, we favour Caen narrowly. It’s a small stake, and best left out of multiples.
Montpellier 24/10 | Draw 9/4 | Monaco 12/10
Montpellier boast one of Ligue 1’s best defenses but will struggle against Monaco, free to focus fully on Ligue 1 without European distractions after Champions League exit.
Monaco’s domestic form has been outstanding. Confidently back the away side at 12/10 for a solid win.
Sunday 14 January
St-Etienne 5/4 | Draw 2/1 | Toulouse 49/20
Another tough match to call. Both sides have poor form leading to quick drops down the table before the break. If betting, a narrow win for St-Etienne is the pick, but confidence is low – better to steer clear.
Lyon 9/20 | Draw 7/2 | Angers 11/2
Lyon welcomes struggling Angers to the Groupama Stadium. Lyon won five of six pre-break, while Angers managed just one win in six matches.
Backing Lyon with a (-1) handicap at 23/20 is a smart move – they should win comfortably.
Nantes 10/1 | Draw 47/10 | PSG 1/4
After bouncing back with wins over Angers and Amiens, Nantes faces a much sterner test against PSG at Stade de la Beaujoire.
PSG remains the dominant force with five wins in six and a nine-point lead at the halfway stage. Expect them to cruise to victory against Nantes. Back PSG on a (-1) handicap at 7/10.
Treble tipped at 5.58/1
Dijon Win 8/10
Lyon (-1) 23/20
PSG (-1) 7/10
