Last weekend’s round 6 fixtures disappointed slightly, with fewer goals than we are used to in Ligue 1 and with no fixture producing a match where both teams scored. With this round of fixtures offering a list of more competitive and close battles, we’re sure to see some entertaining offerings this weekend with some more drama, passion and incredible goals.
In this matchup we firstly take a look at Nice vs Angers, with Nice, having seemingly regained their form of last season, and Angers, who suffered an embarrassing defeat to bottom of the table Metz in their last fixture. In the other game, Lille will host Monaco, with Lille unable to unstick themselves from their current rut, and Monaco, who achieved a solid 3:0 win over Strasbourg following a tricky week.
Nice vs. Angers
3-Way: 1: Nice +108; X: +257 Draw; 2: Angers +345
Spread -0.5: Nice -104; Angers +100
Total +2.5: Over +133; Under -137
Nice
Nice continued their resurgence with a second Ligue 1 win in a row over Rennes away from home. Mario Balotelli led the attack once again, proving to be incisive and decisive with the only goal of the game. A poor first half for both sides saw some back and forth with few chances, although Pierre Lees Melou saw his shot parried which was as close as Nice came to scoring. Rennes came out strong in the second half, but they were not rewarded with a goal, but a loss instead after Balotelli blasted the winner into the roof of the net, following good dribbling and an assist from teammate Alasanne Pléa.
The southern-coastal French side will be relieved to have turned a corner, having now won three on the trot, including their midweek 5:1 away Europa League win over Zulte-Waregem. Despite this, they did only posed a threat for short periods of the game at the weekend but can take confidence that they were able to win the game with Alassane Pléa and Mario Balotelli coming up with the goods when they go forward.
Manager Lucien Favre will have a full squad, other than Wylian Cyprien who is out with a long-term injury.
Angers
An eight-game unbeaten run for Angers was ended in their last game, as they lost to Metz, a side that had lost every Ligue 1 game previously. Metz started brightly and forced a good save from Angers’ Alexandre Letellier, but the home side responded when winger Toko Ekambi slid in on a cross directly in front of goal, but the resulting shot was straight at the keeper. Metz enforced their impending dominance when attacker Nolan Roux scored with a diving header unmarked. The away side then proceeded to hit the post and come close with a one-on-one. Angers seemed unable to craft a chance, until as late as the 97th minute when Ekambi came close again with a header from close-range but was denied by a fantastic save to doom Angers to zero points.
Angers will be disappointed to lose to bottom of the Ligue 1 table side Metz, especially considering that they hadn’t won a single point before last weekend, and in addition, they were the home side. Saying that they still have had a decent start, seeing themselves in 11th place after six games, although their next tie will be a tricky one to contend with.
Manager Stéphane Moulin will be with a full squad for Friday’s game, including winger Youcef Belaili who will be back after a long-term doping ban.
Nice vs. Angers – MATCH PREDICTION
With Nice getting back their groove, they’ll feel confident in defeating any opponent, especially in their home ground. Although Angers has had a decent start, they don’t look particularly threatening in any area of the pitch, and Nice should have what it takes to win.
MY PICK: Nice to WIN (+108)
Lille vs. Monaco
3-Way: 1: Lille +440; X: +301 Draw; 2: Monaco -123
Spread +0.5: Lille +127; Monaco -133
Total +2.5: Over -118; Under +127
Lille
Lille is now six games without a win after a last-minute goal sunk them to a 1:0 loss to Guingamp. Lille had their fair share of chances in the first half, with winger Anwar El Ghazi doing well to get away a powerful shot, but straight at the keeper. For the second half, it was the home side, Guingamp, who were in the ascendance, with their pressure finally being rewarded dramatically in the 93rd minute, a deflected long-range volley.
Lille has now scored just once in their last five Ligue 1 games, while they have conceded seven, and now sit 17th in the Ligue 1 table. Manager Marcelo Bielsa’s job may now be under threat, especially if his side fails to achieve a respectable result at home to Monaco. One thing that is clearly lacking in this team, proved by the absence of goals, is attacking threat, with nothing from their forward line that screams goals. It could be a difficult season for this Lille team.
Marcelo Bielsa will have a full squad roster, other than defensive-midfielder Thiago Mendes who is out with a wound.
Monaco
Following a difficult day out at Nice, and a tough trip to RB Leipzig in their midweek Champions League fixture, Monaco will be delighted to have got back to winning ways against Strasbourg at home. Stevan Jovetic’s second Monaco start produced some bright moments, including a delightful chip that hit the crossbar on its way down. Although, it took until the 44th minute for Monaco to open the scoring, as Falcao passed across goal to Rony Lopes who had an easy finish. Just after half-time, Falcao scored from another simple finish from a cross by left-back teammate Jorge, but on replays, Falcao was quite a way offside. Following the second, a horrible defensive mistake allowed Falcao to sneak in and add his own second, and his ninth goal of the season, also signifying a 3:0 win for his side.
Monaco has appeared to have recovered from last week’s fiasco in Nice, albeit against the easy opposition in Strasbourg. At some point, however, other players in this Monaco side will have to chip in with the goals if they are to compete with PSG. Falcao is the top scorer in Ligue 1 with nine goals, but the next top Monaco goal scorer is center-back Kamil Glik who has two. Saying that, the new signing Jovetic has looked promising and may help on the goal front, but it is certainly an area where Monaco will have to improve.
Manager Leonardo Jardim will still be without goalkeeper Loic Badiashile through a should injury, while winger Gabriel Boshilia will be out due to a training deficit. Right-back Djibril Sidibé will also be missing due to suspension.
Lille vs. Monaco – MATCH PREDICTION
With Lille in terrible form, it’s hard to see them pick up any points against Monaco with their huge amount of quality. Other than bad form, this Lille team also doesn’t seem to be catching a break.
I would recommend going for a Monaco win.
MY PICK: Monaco to WIN (-123)
Additional Pick: Over 2.5 goals (-118)
