Ligue 1 Predictions: Round 24
GFFN Editor-in-Chief Luke Entwistle and GFFN’s Raphaël Jucobin face off in our ongoing Ligue 1 predictions competition. The scoring system is simple: three points for a correct score, two points for a correct score difference, and one point for a correct result. As the season progresses, who will come out on top?
Current Standings
Raphaël: 125 Points
Luke: 149 Points
Game of the Week: Paris Saint-Germain v Lille OSC
Saturday, 20:05 (UK Time)
Paris Saint-Germain’s pursuit of an unbeaten domestic season remains on track, thanks to their thrilling 3-2 victory over Lyon last week. While the match had its moments of uncertainty, it was clear that Lyon was never quite in the same league, and PSG could always ramp up their performance if needed. With Marseille’s recent loss, PSG now boasts an impressive 13-point lead at the top of Ligue 1, with only 11 games left to play. It’s virtually certain that Luis Enrique’s team will retain their title, but the question looms: will they experience a performance drop similar to last season? Last year, PSG’s focus shifted heavily towards the Champions League, leading to a semi-final appearance. This year, their immediate Champions League challenge is Liverpool, whom they face in the Round of 16, with the first leg following this weekend’s clash against Lille. Could their minds be elsewhere?
Lille’s Challenge
Lille OSC, on the other hand, emerged victorious with a 2-1 win against Monaco in a tightly contested match. Bruno Genesio’s side demonstrated their efficiency in converting chances, a skill that has been somewhat lacking since Edon Zhegrova’s injury. Jonathan David, too, has been experiencing a form dip in recent weeks. However, much like PSG, Lille also has a Champions League commitment this midweek, facing Borussia Dortmund. Both teams have significant distractions, but history and current form suggest that PSG will, at the very least, extend their unbeaten run when they host LOSC.
Raphaël’s Predictions
Raphaël has a cautious approach to his round 24 predictions. He anticipates Monaco to dominate Reims with a 2-0 win, likely leveraging their home advantage and recent form. Saint-Étienne, after a poor run, is expected to fall 1-2 to Nice, who are showing signs of improvement. Raphaël also foresees Lens maintaining their strong home record with a 2-0 victory over Le Havre. In the much-anticipated PSG v Lille match, he predicts a draw, 2-2, signaling his belief in Lille’s ability to challenge the league leaders. For Lyon, he expects a 3-1 win over Brest, capitalizing on their home turf. Auxerre and Strasbourg are set for a 2-2 draw, while Montpellier is predicted to lose 0-2 to Rennes. Angers, on the other hand, could secure a narrow 1-0 win over Toulouse. Lastly, Raphaël sees Marseille overcoming Nantes 3-1, bolstered by their recent form.
Luke’s Predictions
Luke’s predictions lean a bit more aggressively in favor of the home teams. He forecasts PSG to edge out Lille 2-1, a result that would keep their unbeaten streak alive and further solidify their league position. For Lyon, he predicts a more convincing 2-0 win over Brest, showing confidence in their defensive capabilities. Luke also believes that Marseille will comfortably defeat Nantes 3-1, a prediction that might be influenced by their strong recent performances. He anticipates Monaco to thrash Reims 4-0, suggesting a strong attack from the home side. Saint-Étienne is expected to lose 0-2 to Nice, indicating Nice’s growing strength. Lens, according to Luke, will narrowly beat Le Havre 1-0. Auxerre and Strasbourg are predicted to end in a 1-1 draw, while Montpellier is expected to lose 0-2 to Rennes. Finally, Luke sees Toulouse getting the better of Angers 1-0, hinting at a potential upset.
Key Matches to Watch
The PSG v Lille encounter is undoubtedly the highlight of the round. Both teams are in good form, and their midweek Champions League matches add an extra layer of intrigue. PSG’s relentless attack, spearheaded by Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, will be a formidable challenge for Lille, who have shown their defensive prowess recently. The match could be a tactical battle, with Luis Enrique and Bruno Genesio meticulously planning their strategies. Other key matches include Monaco v Reims and Marseille v Nantes, both of which feature high-stakes battles for European qualification spots. Nice’s visit to Saint-Étienne and Rennes’s trip to Montpellier are also worth watching, given the strong form of these visiting teams.
Potential Upsets
While the majority of the predictions favor the home teams, there are a few potential upsets to keep an eye on. Luke’s prediction of Toulouse winning 1-0 against Angers is particularly bold, considering Angers’ solid defensive record. Raphaël’s forecast of a 2-2 draw between PSG and Lille could also be seen as a potential surprise, given PSG’s dominance this season. Both predictors agree on a close and competitive match in Auxerre v Strasbourg, which could go either way. These matches add an element of unpredictability, making the round all the more exciting.
Conclusion
As Round 24 of Ligue 1 gets underway, the battle for the top spots and European qualification continues to heat up. PSG’s unbeaten run and their impending Champions League match against Liverpool add a layer of complexity, while Lille’s challenge and their own European ambitions make for a fascinating matchup. Both Raphaël and Luke have made their predictions, and it remains to be seen who will come out on top in this week’s competition. With key matches and potential upsets, this round promises to deliver plenty of excitement for football fans. Who will you be rooting for?
