This archive report was first published on 30 August 2019.
French Ligue 1 2019/20: A Surprising Start to the Season ¶
Published on August 30, 2019
Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain slipped to third place in the French Ligue 1 table after losing their last fixture, while Rennes and Lyon took the top two spots.
Thomas Tuchel, PSG's coach, attributed the loss to the lack of preparation time, which left the players unfit for the fixture. However, critics argue that top-flight teams should have a depth in their squad to handle pressure.
Despite the setback, PSG's star player Neymar has returned to training, but his future at the club remains uncertain.
Matchday 4 Predictions ¶
1. Metz vs PSG ¶
Metz will face a weakened PSG side due to injuries, including Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe. PSG's depth in their squad will be crucial in this fixture, and they are still considered favorites to win.
Metz, a newly-promoted team, has shown an attacking style of play, but this may leave them exposed at the back. PSG's Jean-Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting will lead the attack, and he is expected to score.
Match prediction: PSG wins, Score prediction: 2-0
2. Lyon vs Bordeaux ¶
Lyon has been clinical in their finishing, and their attacking style of play has proven to bear results. They are high in confidence and should continue with the same approach.
Bordeaux has had a slow start to the season, but their last fixture was their first win. However, they will struggle to keep Lyon from scoring.
Match prediction: Lyon wins, Score prediction: 3-1
3. Angers vs Dijon ¶
Angers has been impressive at home, and their attacking style will gift them goals. Dijon, on the other hand, has had a poor record away from home and will struggle to get any points from this fixture.
Match prediction: Angers wins, Score prediction: 2-1
4. Nantes vs Montpellier ¶
Nantes has had a slow start, but they were able to grab all three points in their last fixture. They will be happy to know that their opponents have had a worse start of the season and should capitalize on the same.
Montpellier will approach this game with a defensive mindset, making it difficult for them to score goals. Nantes have been difficult to beat at home, and this gives them the motivation to attempt to secure all three points earlier in the game.
Match prediction: Nantes wins, Score prediction: 2-1
5. Nimes vs Brest ¶
Nimes vs Brest may well be the first draw of the weekend, with both teams being evenly matched.
