Predictions for Matchday 18 of Ligue 1, January 16-18
Monaco vs Lorient
The 18th round of the French football championship kicks off with a match between Monaco and Lorient. In the last seven rounds, the Monegasques have suffered six defeats, including three consecutive losses leading up to this match. Lorient, on the other hand, is experiencing a remarkable surge and is rapidly climbing the league table. This season, the average goal count in matches involving these teams is close to three. Both teams have incredible motivation, so we expect a high-scoring encounter and are betting on the over total.
Match Prediction for Monaco vs Lorient: Total Goals Over 2.5
PSG vs Lille
In the central match of the 18th round of Ligue 1, PSG will face Lille. These teams are currently among the top four and are competing for the championship. In head-to-head encounters, the Parisian club dominates, having not lost to the "Dogs" since 2021. PSG and Lille are among the highest-scoring teams in the French championship, consistently proving this in each round. On average, Luis Enrique's side scores 2.2 goals per match, while Lille scores 1.9. Considering this statistics and the recent winning streaks of both teams, we suggest betting on the match total over 2.5.
Match Prediction for PSG vs Lille: Total Goals Over 2.5
Lens vs Auxerre
The leader of the French championship, Lens, will host modest Auxerre on Saturday, who are positioned in the lower part of the league table. The "Blood and Gold" have a winning streak of nine matches across all competitions, six of which were won by a margin of two or more goals. Auxerre, on the other hand, is in the relegation zone and is delivering quite unconvincing performances. Recently, the "Blues" were knocked out of the French Cup and lost in two consecutive Ligue 1 rounds. Considering all this data, we expect a confident victory from Lens and are betting on a handicap for the hosts (-1).
Match Prediction for Lens vs Auxerre: Lens Handicap (-1)
Toulouse vs Nice
The solid mid-table team of this season, Toulouse, will host the much-struggled Nice in the 18th round. After a change in head coach, the "Eaglets" managed to halt their losing streak in the championship – in the last round, they drew with Strasbourg (1:1), and then advanced to the French Cup Round of 16 by winning a penalty shootout against Nantes. Toulouse's winning run in Ligue 1 was interrupted by a defeat from the league leader Lens (0:3), but this should not negatively impact their overall performance as the "Violets" are showing decent play. Notably, Toulouse has scored only one goal in their last four home matches, while Nice has scored just two in away games during the same period. We expect a lot of struggle and few goals from the teams.
Match Prediction for Toulouse vs Nice: Total Goals Under 2.5
Angers vs Marseille
One of the championship leaders, Marseille, will visit Angers as part of the 18th round of Ligue 1. Over the past two months, the "black and whites" have made an incredible surge from the bottom of the standings to the 10th position, showcasing all their best qualities. However, in the last round, they lost to Le Havre (1:2). Marseille recently lost to PSG in the French Super Cup, which has only increased their motivation – they need to redeem themselves in front of their fans. In the league standings, the "white and blues" are in third place, chasing the leaders and showing excellent results in the championship. Despite the away nature of the game, Marseille is the clear favorite for the upcoming match, as they have not lost to Angers since 2020. Our bet is on the victory of the visitors.
Match Prediction Angers vs Marseille: victory for the visitors
Strasbourg vs Metz
This season's underdog, Metz, will visit the mid-table team Strasbourg. The match promises to be tense, as both teams are currently going through a rough patch. The last victory for the "racers" in Ligue 1 was in mid-November, followed by three losses and two draws. Metz's situation is even worse – the team has forgotten the last time they won, which is why they are currently in last place. Notably, Strasbourg has won the last six head-to-head encounters against their opponent. Considering the home advantage, we are betting on Strasbourg's victory in this match.
Match Prediction Strasbourg vs Metz: victory for the hosts
Nantes vs Paris
Nantes and Paris will clash in the 18th round of the French championship. Both teams are currently on the brink of the relegation zone, occupying neighboring positions in the standings. Their situation is not the best, but this season we have already seen examples of incredible comebacks, so anything is possible. Nantes achieved a somewhat unexpected victory over Marseille (2:0) in the last round, breaking a streak of three defeats. Paris hasn't had a league victory for a long time, but recently there was a sensation with their advancement to the French Cup Round of 16 (defeating PSG). Both teams are in a positive mood and will strive to build on their success, so we are betting on a high total in this match.
Match Prediction Nantes vs Paris: total over 2.5
Rennes vs Le Havre
In the 18th round of the French football championship, Rennes will host Le Havre. The opponents are currently showing completely different levels of play, and there is a chasm between them in the standings. Rennes has won six of their last seven matches in Ligue 1 and recently secured a place in the French Cup Round of 16. Le Havre achieved their first league victory in a month and a half in the last round – defeating Angers with a minimal score (1:0). In head-to-head encounters, the "red and blacks" dominate Le Havre, having not lost to them in the last five meetings, winning three of them. Considering the recent performances of the teams, we suggest betting on a victory for the home side.
Match Prediction for Rennes vs Le Havre: Home Team Victory
Lyon vs Brest
In the 18th round of Ligue 1, Brest will visit Lyon. The hosts are the bookmakers' favorites in this matchup, as they have been winning frequently and rarely losing lately. In the last four rounds of the championship, the "Lions" have won three times and recently secured a spot in the Round of 16 of the French Cup by defeating a tough opponent, Lille (2-1). Brest has won four out of their last five Ligue 1 matches, indicating a clear upswing for the team. Both opponents are currently in good form and ready to deliver a high-scoring game, so we are betting on the over total goals.
