Predictions for Matchday 16 of Ligue 1, December 12-14
Angers vs Nantes
The 16th round of the French football championship kicks off with a match between Angers and Nantes. A mid-table team will host one of the league's underdogs. Just a month and a half ago, the "black and whites" were themselves in the relegation zone, but now they are doing quite well: three wins in the last four rounds. However, the situation with scoring hasn't changed much – Alexandre Dujeux's team still averages less than one goal per match. Nantes is in the relegation zone with no improvement in sight. The "Canaries" haven't won in a long time and score very few goals (only 13 in the championship). Considering the low scoring ability of both teams, we suggest betting on a low total.
Match Prediction Angers vs Nantes: total goals under 2.5
Rennes vs Brest
Rennes will host the resilient Brest in the 16th round of Ligue 1. The match promises to be very interesting, as have all previous encounters between these opponents. In the last four head-to-head meetings, each team has always left the field with at least one goal scored. Rennes had a setback in the last round – they were thrashed by PSG (0:5), ending their 4-match winning streak where the "red and blacks" shone and scored a lot (10 goals). Brest currently has three wins in the previous rounds and 6 goals scored in those matches. Considering the high scoring ability of the teams and their head-to-head statistics, a bet on both teams to score seems logical here.
Match Prediction Rennes vs Brest: both teams to score – yes
Metz vs PSG
The underdog of the French championship will host the reigning champion and one of the main contenders for the title this season – PSG. In the last 15 head-to-head matches, the Parisians have defeated their opponent, often with a margin of two or more goals. In the last round, Luis Enrique's team thrashed Rennes at home (5:0), who had won four consecutive matches before that. Metz is currently on a 3-match losing streak and sits at the bottom of the league table. At the moment, the level of play between these opponents is incomparable, so we are betting on a handicap in favor of PSG.
Match Prediction Metz vs PSG: handicap (-1.5) PSG
Paris vs Toulouse
In the 16th round of Ligue 1, Toulouse will visit Paris, which is not in the best form. The capital club hasn't tasted victory in four rounds – two draws and two losses. The "Violets" have only one defeat in the last six matches, and their last round ended with a victory over Strasbourg (1:0). It is evident that Toulouse is currently playing more constructive football and has stable results, so we expect a confident performance from the visitors and bet that they will not lose.
Match Prediction Paris vs Toulouse: visitors will not lose
Lyon vs Havre
On Sunday, Lyon will host Havre, and it promises to be an intriguing matchup based on their previous encounters. In their last two matches, the "Lions" celebrated victories quite confidently (4:2 and 4:0). Recently, Paulo Fonseca's team defeated Go Ahead Eagles in the Europa League (2:1), and before that, they crushed Nantes at home (3:0). Havre is currently struggling, with 3 losses and two draws in their last five matches. With such results, it's difficult to expect success in an away match against Lyon. We are betting on a negative handicap for the hosts.
Match Prediction for Lyon vs Havre: Handicap (-1.5) for Lyon
Strasbourg vs Lorient
Strasbourg, currently facing difficulties, will play at home against Lorient. The "Racers" are experiencing a downturn, marked by three consecutive defeats in Ligue 1. Not only are they losing, but they are also struggling to score, with only one goal in these matches. Lorient, on the other hand, is in a contrasting situation – Olivier Pantaloni's team has found a winning streak and is climbing from the bottom of the standings: two consecutive victories over Nice (3:1) and Lyon (1:0). In their last head-to-head away match against Strasbourg, the "Black and Oranges" won 3:1. We expect confident football from the visitors and are betting on a positive handicap for them.
Match Prediction for Strasbourg vs Lorient: Handicap (+1) for Lorient
Auxerre vs Lille
One of the current season's leaders, Lille, will visit Auxerre, who are at the bottom of the standings. The "Dogs" have been performing well in recent rounds, consistently winning and currently on a three-match winning streak. Only in the Europa League did they fail to extend their success – they recently suffered an away defeat to Young Boys (0:1). Auxerre had a bit of luck with their schedule in previous rounds and managed to earn points against Paris (1:1) and Metz (3:1). It is unlikely to be as easy against Lille, as they are an opponent of a different caliber. In the last five head-to-head encounters, the "Dogs" have three wins and two draws. Considering this statistic, we are betting on a victory for the visitors.
Match Prediction for Auxerre vs Lille: Victory for the visitors
Lens vs Nice
The league leaders, Lens, will host Nice, who are in a difficult situation. This season, the "Blood and Gold" continue to delight their fans in every round, securing one victory after another – their current successful streak is five matches. It is worth noting that games involving Lens are usually not very high-scoring – in nine out of ten cases, fewer than three goals were scored. Nice is currently in a deep crisis, reflected not only in poor results but also in issues with fans, who attacked the players and coaching staff. The "Eaglets" are on an eight-match losing streak across all competitions. In such a state, Nice is unlikely to score much against Lens. We expect a low total of goals from the upcoming match.
Prediction for the Lens vs Nice match: total goals under 3.5
Marseille vs Monaco
In the central match of the 16th round of the French football championship, Marseille will face Monaco. While the "white and blues" are confirming their status as one of the season's favorites, the same cannot be said for the "Monegasques." Marseille is currently in third place, but the last two rounds have significantly weakened the team: a draw with Toulouse (2:2) and a defeat by Lille (0:1). Monaco is experiencing a severe crisis: four defeats in the last five rounds with only three goals scored. The "Monegasques" clearly have issues with their attacking line, and Marseille also failed to score in the last round, so we suggest a bet on total goals under 3.5.
