Predictions for Matchday 3 of Ligue 1, August 29-31
Lens vs Brest
Lens, following a victorious match against Le Havre, will face Brest, who suffered a defeat in the last round against Toulouse. Pierre Sage's team secured a very important victory, but did not display the level of play expected by their fans. After scoring twice in the first half, Lens played defensively to maintain the score and almost paid for it. Nevertheless, the precious points are in the bag and they have moved up in the standings. Brest had a tough time in the second round, losing to Toulouse without much of a chance, although they managed an xG of nearly one goal. We all remember how in the previous round the "reds" had a goal fest with Lille (3:3). We expect an active attacking game from the opponents in the upcoming match and suggest betting on the over total.
Match Prediction for Lens vs Brest: total goals over 2.5
Lorient vs Lille
Lorient and Lille both secured victories in the last round of Ligue 1 and are now determined to extend their success. Olivier Pantaloni's team stumbled in their first match of the season against Auxerre (0:1), but upon returning home, they crushed a strong Rennes side 4:0. Lille had an exciting first-round match against Brest, where the "dogs" drew (3:3). Then Bruno Génésio's team defeated Monaco at home (1:0), scoring in the very last moments of the match. Both clubs are currently showcasing productive attacking football, so we expect many goals from them.
Match Prediction for Lorient vs Lille: total goals over 2.5
Nantes vs Auxerre
Struggling Nantes is set to host Auxerre. The match is unlikely to be exciting in terms of scoring, as the opponents have only scored two goals between them this season. Luís Castro is running out of excuses at press conferences, as Nantes has lost six matches in a row (two in Ligue 1). Auxerre is not far ahead of their opponent but has managed to earn points in the current championship by defeating Lorient in the first round (1:0). Overall, Nantes looks like the underdog in the upcoming match, so we are betting on a victory for the visitors.
Match Prediction for Nantes vs Auxerre: victory for the visitors
Toulouse vs PSG
The reigning French champion PSG will visit modest Toulouse. Both teams have collected maximum points in the current championship and are now leading the Ligue 1 standings. Obviously, PSG looks more impressive on paper compared to their opponent, but last year the opponent already defeated the Parisians and remembers well how to do it. Toulouse won the first two matches in Ligue 1 without conceding a single goal, so we expect a confident home game from Carles Martinez's team and are betting on them with a positive handicap.
Match Prediction for Toulouse vs PSG: Toulouse with a handicap (+1.5)
Angers vs Rennes
Rennes, who conceded 4 goals from Lorient in the last round, is heading to Angers hosts Rennes. Both teams disappointed their fans in the last round, losing and failing to earn any points. While the defeat of Alexandre Dujeux's squad by PSG (0:1) can be somewhat justified, and the team can even be praised for a "respectable" loss, the "thrashing" of Rennes (0:4) is inexplicable. Considering that Angers has conceded only 1 goal and scored the same amount in two rounds, we anticipate a low-scoring match.
Match Prediction for Angers vs Rennes: total goals under 2.5
Paris vs Metz
Paris, having not earned a single point, hosts an equally matched opponent in Metz. Both teams have yet to score points this season, but they have already retrieved the ball from their net 10 times combined. The league's underdogs will determine who is currently stronger. Paris lost away to Marseille (2:5) in the last round, with only 39% ball possession. Yes, Stéphane Gilli's team has a tough schedule, but there is no team play yet. However, compared to Metz, who hasn't scored at all this season, Paris appears to be the clear favorite. We expect a victory from the hosts in the upcoming match.
Match Prediction for Paris vs Metz: home team win
Monaco vs Strasbourg
Strasbourg, excelling this season, visits the ambitious Monaco. Both teams are showing good form in the league and have every chance to compete for medals. Strasbourg has won both of its opening matches and is currently among the leaders. Monaco defeated Le Havre but stumbled against Lille (0:1). The teams have scored 7 goals between them in the previous two rounds while conceding 4. They are both active in attack and allow their opponents to score – we anticipate a high-scoring encounter and bet on total goals over 2.5.
Match Prediction for Monaco vs Strasbourg: total goals over 2.5
Le Havre vs Nice
Le Havre, without a victory in recent months, hosts Nice, who won in the last round. Despite being the visitors, Franck Haise's team is the favorite for the upcoming match, and rightfully so. Nice won against Auxerre (3:1) in the last round, after previously losing to a strong Toulouse (0:1). Le Havre is struggling – lacking finances, Ligue 1-level players, and consequently, results. In the previous two rounds, Didier Digard's team lost to Monaco and Lens. In the upcoming match, we lean towards a Nice victory, as the opponent is in a dire state.
Match Prediction for Le Havre vs Nice: away team win
Lyon vs Marseille
In the last match of the 3rd round of Ligue 1, two of the most prolific teams this season, Lyon and Marseille, will face off. In the last round, Paulo Fonseca's squad thrashed Metz at home (3:0), securing their second win of the season. Marseille secured a big win against Paris (5:2), redeeming themselves after a setback in the previous match against Rennes. It is evident that both teams play offensively, and they are successful in this aspect – we expect a high-scoring game from the opponents and are taking the over on the total.
