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 take a look at Lyon, who were unlucky against a fortunate PSG side when they lost last weekend, who will play Dijon, who lost in an exciting 1:0 to Saint Etienne. In the other game, Metz, who gained their first points and their first win of the season, will host Troyes, who extended their long winless run.
Why not take a look at our season preview for an in-depth analysis of Ligue 1’s summer activity?
Lyon vs. Dijon
3-Way: 1: Lyon -278; X: +578 Draw; 2: Dijon +1250
Spread -1.5: Lyon -118; Dijon +125
Total +3.5: Over +117; Under -118
Lyon
Lyon’s unbeaten run was ended last weekend by the top of the Ligue 1 table PSG with a 2:0 score-line away from home. Despite the 2:0 loss, Lyon had an unlucky day, having their fair share of chances including Tanguy NDombele smashing the crossbar from range with an excellent effort. Ultimately, Lyon was undone by two unlucky own goals in 75th and 86th minute. The first was a Marcelo own goal, who knew nothing about it as the ball hit him after Cavani headed the ball onto him. The second was an initial fantastic save, but the parry bounced off defender Jeremy Morel and in.
Lyon can be pleased with their performance, as they created more chances than their strong opponents, with six shots on target to PSG’s three. Les Gones now find themselves in 5th place, and just two points off that coveted 3rd Champions League spot, and with their next two Ligue 1 fixtures being against Dijon and Angers, they really have a chance to push towards their goal. However, a stern test next month at home to Monaco will show us if this team has a chance at a title challenge rather than just European football, as the result against PSG didn’t tell us too much.
Manager Bruno Genesio will have a full squad for Saturday’s match.
Dijon
Dijon slipped into relegation last weekend as they lost 1:0 at home to Saint Etienne in an exciting game. Saint Etienne had the best of the early chances, although Julio Tavares had a great opportunity when Benjamin Jeannot chased down and blocked a clearance, leaving Tavares through on goal, he should have done better when he was denied by the keeper. Following half-time, it took until the 49th minute for the deadlock to be broken with a penalty for Saint Etienne. Fouad Chafik clumsily brought down an opponent in the box giving away the penalty, although questions were asked as to whether the foul was inside or outside the box. The resulting penalty was converted, although Dijon goalkeeper did get a hand on it, but could only push it onto the post and in. Despite going a goal down, Dijon came back at their opponents with gusto, with Jordan Marié being denied by a good save following some scintillating forward play. Then, Julio Tavares came close again lobbing the keeper with a shot destined for goal, but it was cleared off the line in the nick of time.
With just four points in their first six Ligue 1 games, Dijon is in serious danger of slipping deep into a relegation battle. It’s difficult to pinpoint the faults in this Dijon side, they’ve scored in most of their games and not conceded more than two other than their home game to Monaco. That will be the most worrying thing for this side; they don’t have serious quality in any areas of the pitch that might pull them through games. With two of their three Ligue 1 fixtures being against Lyon and PSG, things could continue to look bleak for a while.
Manager Olivier Dall’Oglio will have a full squad selection for Saturday’s game.
Lyon vs. Dijon – MATCH PREDICTION
When you put one team, who has the attacking power and class with players like Nabil Fekir and Mariano Diaz going forward, against another team, who lacks class in all areas of the pitch, you have an easy winner. Lyon is that side with the class and add their home advantage to the mix, and you would think that they would come out as comfortable winners.
MY PICK: Lyon AH -1.5 (-118)
Metz vs. Troyes
3-Way: 1: Metz +125; X: +252 Draw; 2: Troyes +276
Spread -0.5: Metz +125; Troyes -127
Total +2.5: Over +118; Under -119
Metz
With Metz losing all five of their first five Ligue 1 outings, they were desperate for a victory, and that is what they achieved with a 1:0 away win over Angers. The best chance for Metz came when winger Opa N’Guette cut in from the left side and forced a good save from the Angers keeper. With both teams seemingly being equal throughout the match, the only thing that separated the sides was a diving Nolan Roux header from a wonderful Mathieu Dossevi cross. Metz nearly made it two when they hit the post and later a one-on-one with the keeper but they couldn’t manage to double their lead.
Overall, you have to say that it was the win that Metz deserved after their first-half performance in the previous weekend against PSG, despite being awful prior to that fixture. Furthermore, Metz won their first points of the season, but are still in 20th place with the lowest goalscoring record in the Ligue 1; perhaps they’ll wish that they spent some money in the forward department rather than their only signing being the erratic Emmanuel Riviere from Newcastle.
Manager Philippe Hinschberger will be without any injury or suspension worries.
Troyes
Troyes continued their winless run with a drab 1:0 loss to Montpellier on their home ground. Troyes came had few chances throughout the game, with an early volley, and a later free-kick and a shot both going wide. In fact, Troyes did not have a single shot on target all game, with their best chance coming when Karim Azamoum hit the post. Ultimately, they were the weaker side and were undone by a headed corner without reply.
Troyes are now four games without a win and have scored just once in their last four Ligue 1 games. With last season’s Ligue 2 top scorer Adama Niane in their side, you’d expect him to have had a greater contribution, but unfortunately, he is not getting the service from the midfield; a midfield without any recognized playmakers might I add.
Manager Jean-Louis Garcia will have a full squad for Saturday’s game.
Metz vs.Troyes – MATCH PREDICTION
With both teams having had a poor start to their Ligue 1 campaign, and both team most likely going to be battling it out for survival by the end of the season, I wouldn’t recommend staying in on Saturday night to hang around for this one. It will most likely be a dull affair with few goals.
MY PICK: Under 2.5 goals (-119)
