Lille v Saint-Etienne

Lille have gone through some difficult times this season, but they have run into some stronger form since the turn of the year. Indeed, they have picked up five wins in their last nine in Ligue 1, while they have won three of their last four and have not conceded a single goal in these fixtures.

It was notable, however, that prior to meeting Chelsea three weeks ago, they turned in a low-key performance against Metz at home, drawing 0-0. Ahead of their second meeting with the Blues, they will be aiming for a stronger display against another relegation-threatened side.

Saint-Etienne, too, have improved lately. Their sole defeat in six Ligue 1 matches came away against PSG – and even in that match they managed to take the lead. Although they only edged Metz 1-0 last weekend, their improvement has come about offensively, with nine goals scored in their last five games. 

Indeed, both teams come into this match high in confidence offensively. Lille, after all, netted four goals against Clermont last weekend, with Jonathan David notably ending his recent drought. Lille matches lately might not have been thrillers, but given Saint-Etienne’s strong offensive level in recent weeks, this promises to be a more attractive match.

A repeat of the 1-1 draw that the teams played out in August, when they were both struggling for form, is entirely possible now that they have both found their level seven months later.

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Montpellier v Nice

Montpellier’s miserable form in recent weeks shows little sign of abating. At Christmas, they were flying high in fifth and seeking to push for a European spot. Now they would likely settle for a finish in the top half of the table.

The collapse has been a remarkable one. They have lost six of their last eight matches, conceding 15 times in their last seven games.

Their struggles have coincided with a couple of key injury issues. Mamadou Sakho, their defensive leader, is very likely still out for Saturday’s match with Nice, as is key winger Stephy Mavididi, who has provided cutting edge that they can otherwise lack at times in an inconsistent attack.

Conversely, Nice are going well. They have won 11 of their last 14 matches in all competitions and are coming off a high when they beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 at home last weekend. Although they have failed to win either of their last two away from home, they post eight away wins from 13 Ligue 1 matches on the road this season.

Moreover, the visiting side will have a strong squad to play with when they visit Stade de la Mosson. Look for them to avenge the 1-0 defeat they suffered to Montpellier in November at home.

As Montpellier have not drawn in their last 18 Ligue 1 matches, backing Nice on the nose offers the best value for this encounter. 

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Troyes v Nantes

Saturday’s showpiece match will highlight one of the league’s most in-form teams in Nantes, a side that has surprisingly qualified for the Coupe de France final and is pushing for a European place, having struggled dramatically against relegation last season.

Troyes, meanwhile, are embroiled in that particular battle currently and gave themselves a major shot in the arm last weekend as they defeated Bordeaux 2-0 away from home. Both goals were the direct result of penalties. It was their first win in six games, four of which ended in defeat.

Since Bruno Irles took charge of ESTAC, they have not impressed at home. Indeed, they lost narrowly against Lyon before struggling to draws against Metz and Marseille. None of these games were in any way exciting, producing just three goals between them.

Nantes, meanwhile, have won five of their last six, including a penalty shootout win over Monaco in the cup. It is worth stressing, however, that all these victories came at home. They are without a win in three on the road.

The visiting side have a reputation for being low scorers on their travels. Indeed, their 13 away fixtures in the league have produced just 28 goals. Seven of their last nine road trips have ended with two goals or fewer being scored.

Nantes should be favoured to win a low-scoring match – they can be backed at 5.0 to win and for there to be 2.5 goals or fewer – but simply backing against goals makes sense given the low-scoring histories of both these teams.

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