Ligue 1 Preview: Can Monaco secure the title?

Metz-Toulouse

The first match of the 37th round in French football will be between Metz and Toulouse at the Stade Saint Symphorien. Both teams, located in the middle of the table, are direct rivals who are 13th and 12th respectively. The home club possess a 2 game winning streak, accounting for a 2-1-2 record in their previous 5 outings. Toulouse, on the other hand, are winless in their last 5. They have a horrible 0-2-3 record, with their last victory dating back to April 2nd. Both teams are tied in the table with 42 points, however Toulouse’s favourable goal difference has them one place above their rivals this weekend.

Saint Etienne-Paris Saint Germain

A match that could define the title, Saint Etienne host French giants PSG at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard. The home side have found majority of their points at home (60%), which is due to their strong defensive structure and their ability to compete against anyone when playing in front of their fans. They have only lost 2 games at home, accounting for one of the best home records in the league. PSG hold a 4-0-1 record in their last 5, with their last loss coming against Nice in a frustrating 3-1 defeat, which likely meant the end of their title dreams. Saint-Etienne are 1-3-1 in their previous 5, as they hold the 7th spot in Ligue 1. PSG on the other hand, are 2nd with 83 points. A win by direct rivals Monaco would assure the league title for the team from ‘El Principado.’

Bordeaux-Marseille

The next game this weekend will have Marseille take a trip to the Matmut Atlantique to play Bordeaux. The home side are unbeaten in their last 5, holding a 3-2-0 record. Marseille are also unbeaten in their previous 5, with the same 3-2-0 record. Both teams being direct rivals, this game will likely be the 5th spot clincher. Marseille are 5th with 58 points, while Bordeaux are 6th with 57.

Montpellier-Lyon

The following match will have Montpellier play Lyon at the Stade de la Mosson. The game will have 4th place Lyon battle 15th place Montpellier. The home team are 9 points clear of relegation, so they will most likely be in Ligue 1 next year. They have accounted for 39 points in the campaign, while Lyon hold their place with 63 points. Montpellier possess a 2-0-3 record in their last 5, as they hold a 3 game losing streak. Lyon hold a 2-1-2 record in their last 5.

Nice-Angers

This match will see season-wonder Nice battle Angers at Allianz Riviera. The home side most likely handed Monaco by defeating PSG in their last home game, by a score of 3-1. The home side had was undergoing a 12-game undefeated run before falling last Sunday to Marseille in an entertaining 2-1 loss for Nice. They hold the 3rd place with 77 points, while Angers are 14th with 40 points. Nice hold a good 3-1-1 record in their last 5, while Angers are 1-1-3.

SC Bastia-Lorient

Bastia will battle the orange Lorient at the Stade Armand Cesari, as both teams are looking for points that will keep them in France’s top flight. Both SC Bastia and Lorient hold the same 2-1-2 record in their last 5 matches. Lorient are 17th with 35 points while the home side occupy the last place in French football with just 31 points. This could be a game of major impact on the relegation battle, so all the lower table teams will be looking closely at this match.

Dijon-Nancy

The other game that will most likely shape the relegation battle. Both teams are in need of points to put together a late positive run to stay in the league. Dijon have a 1-1-3 record in their previous 5, which has them positioned at 18th with 33. Nancy, quite similarly, are 19th with 32 points in Ligue 1. They hold the same 1-1-3 record in their previous 5.

Monaco-Lille

The match that could define the title, Monaco host Lille at the Stade Louis II. The home side, recently eliminated from the Champions League, need just 1 more win to be crowned champions. They hold an improbable 2-0-3 record in their past 5 matches, while Lille hold exactly the same record. Lille are 11th with 43 points, while Monaco are top of the league with 86 points.

Nantes-Guingamp

This highly competitive match will take place between Nantes and EA Guingamp at the Stade de la Beaujoire. Nantes hold a 2-1-2 record, while weekend rivals Guingamp hold a similar 2-0-3.

Both teams are next to each other in the table, with Nantes being 8th with 48 points, and EA Guingamp holding the 9th spot with 47 points.

Caen-Rennes

And finally, the last match of the weekend will have Rennes visit Caen at the Stade Michel d’Ornano. Caen won last weekend for the first time in 5 games, with a record of 1-1-3, while Rennes hold an improved 2-1-2 count. Caen are dancing with relegation, although it is likely they will maintain their spot in France’s top football. They hold the 16th plaza, with 36 points, while the visitors are 10th with 47 points.