With five rounds of fixtures already played, we are now starting to see the Ligue 1 table take shape and gain an idea of who might be relegated and who could be crowned as champions of France. While round 5 was certainly not lacking in action, we’re hoping for even more action and excitement in this 6th round of the 2017/18 Ligue 1 campaign.
In this double matchup we firstly take a look at Nantes, who are improving game by game judging by their solid 1:0 win over Montpellier, will play Caen, who are also impressing with a tight 2:1 win over Dijon. Secondly, Troyes, who continued to struggle to score against Toulouse, will host Montpellier, who were bitterly disappointing against Nantes in their loss.
Nantes vs. Caen
3-Way: 1: Nantes +106; X: +241 Draw; 2: Caen +375
Spread -0.5: Nantes +100; Caen -103
Total +2: Over -114; Under +114
Nantes
Nantes signified the start of an impressive unbeaten run in Ligue 1 with a 1:0 win over opponents Montpellier away from home. Nantes went close early on when a weak header from a cross fell to Emiliano Sala, who turned and shot from a tight angle but didn’t manage to squeeze the ball into the net. Later in the game, Abdoulaye Touré had a great chance to open the scoring with a free header, but he could only direct it straight towards the keeper. Eventually, the goal did come for Nantes when central-midfielder Diego Carlos whipped a free kick over the wall and into the top corner past a helpless keeper. Their opponents had a torrid time with few chances, and their frustration was evident when Giovanni Sio was sent off for a horrific stamp, just over five minutes from time.
After losing their first two, new manager Claudio Ranieri will be delighted that his system is starting to bear its fruits, which a clear emphasis on defense which is working its charms. Nantes have now kept clean sheets in the last three games, which is a reflection of a tight defense but also as a result of some excellent performances from new goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusano.
Manager Olivier Dall’Oglio will have a full squad selection for Saturday’s game.
Caen
Caen is now on a three-game winning streak after a closely-fought 2:1 home victory over Dijon. The home side took the lead after just five minutes with a cheeky chipped penalty from Ivan Santini, who won the penalty in the first place when he was brought down in the box. Caen’s opponents piled on the pressure and were unlucky not to score until they got what they deserved with a 30-yard wonder-strike.
Caen had the best of the chances in the second half, with Santini coming close to a second with a header. The first piece of the major action in the second half took until the 79th minute to arrive when a straight red card was awarded to Caen’s defender Adama Mbengue after he clumsily left a foot in in a 50/50 challenge. However, the sending off didn’t give their opponents the advantage as Cedric Yamberé scored an own goal from a cross across goal.
With three wins on the trot, Caen now has nine points in the league and see themselves placed in sixth. An achievement for the side, but it would be a surprise if a team that finished 17th last season maintained a 6th place position in Ligue 1. With their next four games all being games that Caen are capable of getting a result at, they are in with a great chance of gaining momentum and staying away from the relegation zone.
Manager Claudio Ranieri will be without striker Kolbeinn Sigthorsson (meniscus) and left-midfielder Kayembe (cruciate ligament rupture).
Nantes vs. Caen – MATCH PREDICTION
Claudio Ranieri is proving again that he is a good manager by starting to pick up points and beginning to win points. That being said, Caen is in a good form and will offer tricky opposition to the home side.
Neither team is particularly great at scoring, so the safest bet is a low-scoring match.
MY PICK: Under 2 Goals (+114)
Troyes vs. Montpellier
3-Way: 1: Troyes +184; X: +236 Draw; 2: Montpellier +190
Spread 0: Troyes -103; Montpellier +100
Total +2.5: Over +114; Under -119
Troyes
Troyes were unfortunate not begin a winless streak of three after they drew 0:0 at home to Toulouse. The home side was on top throughout their goalless draw, going unlucky when they hit the post in the first half. In the second half, Troyes striker Adama Niane should have got the winner when a counter-attack saw three Troyes attackers in possession with no defenders in front of them, but Niane ended up kicking himself with a wasted effort lacking in the required quality. Toulouse was kept as bystanders for much of the game, but Troyes were lacking their clinical eye.
With one goal from their last four Ligue 1 games, it will be of huge concern to Troyes if they continue to struggle to find the net. With no player in the Troyes team scoring more than one goal, and their only forward of the signing Hyun-Jun Suk yet to make the first eleven, you might wonder why the further investment wasn’t made in the striking department. Saying that five points from five games is probably what Troyes would have hoped for, as a par score may be enough to keep them up this season.
Manager Jean-Louis Garcia will have a full squad roster.
Montpellier
Montpellier failed to end a winless run last weekend when they lost 1:0 to Nantes in front of their home crowd. The hosts threatened first with a Giovanni effort, but it was easily dealt with; Montpellier rarely threatened again with another weak Sio effort later in the game, which was as good as it got for the home side. Nantes was always looking like the more likely side, and eventually, the goal did come for Toulouse’s opposition with a beautifully curled free kick. Toulouse was seemingly frustrated, and Giovanni Sio reached his tipping point with a dangerous and horrifying stamp on a Nantes defender, which he saw red for.
Montpellier have now gone on a winless streak of four games which will be of huge concern to manager Michel Der Zakarian In addition, they’ve only managed three goals in their first five Ligue 1 games. One may wonder if Giovanni Sio was sufficient replacement for forward players Steve Mounié and Ryad Boudebouz who scored 26 league goals between them last season.
Michel Der Zakarian will have a full squad for Saturday’s match.
Troyes vs. Montpellier – MATCH PREDICTION
Troyes looks like a side who has it all in their build-up but with no end product. With a bit of luck, they are capable of grinding out a win against a Montpellier side who are seriously out of form and missing a key player that could drag the team out of this recent misery.
Overall, it will be another close game, but I fancy the home side to edge past their opponents.
MY PICK: Troyes to Win (+184)
