Ligue 1 Tips: Back action in Le Olympico

Dermo has a 7/1 treble that includes a bet in one of the biggest derbies in French football

Ligue 1 went from having potentially it’s most exciting title race since Lille in 2021 to practically a dead rubber in 2 weeks. Marseille have left 6pts on the table with 3 draws in their last 5 games whilst Lens loss at PSG last week created a six point swing they are unlikely to overcome in the last 7 games. The last relegation spot will likely be one from Strasbourg, Brest, Nantes and Auxerre. Angers are as good as in Ligue 1 with Troyes and AC Ajaccio needing minor miracles to retain their current status for next year. With the exception of Christophe Galtier’s sides trip to Loire on Friday evening, nearly every game in Ligue 1 this week features well matched sides.

Reims Vs Strasbourg

Sun 23rd 12:00

Reims have been priced up as an even money shot to beat Strasbourg this week after a thrashing at Rennes last week. It’s only the 2nd Ligue 1 defeat since Will Still took over Les Rouges et Blancs but it’s certainly the first time they have been so comprehensively beaten in his tenure. How they respond will be a big indicator as to Still’s managerial credentials.

Strasbourg are currently in the relegation zone and the hangover from just missing out on Europe last season shows no signs of abating any time soon. They have managed crucial wins against teams around them in the last five matches but they have only managed one win against a top 10 side all season (and untrustworthy Lyon side). Reims to bounce back with a home win.

Montpellier v Rennes

Sun 23rd 16:05

Ron Atkinson famously once said “Well, either side could win it, or it could be a draw” and this quote could certainly apply to betting on this game. Montpellier have lost the last two after a decent run since Der Zakarian took over. They do appear to have their swagger back though with Elye Wahi back on form (3 goals, 3 assists in last 4 games).

Rennes have been their enigmatic selves recently beating PSG away, losing to Lens and Lyon and demolishing Ligue 1’s grittiest side in Reims. Bruno Genesio’s side have only one way of playing, all out press, which leaves them vulnerable to La Paillade’s swift counter attacks. This game will be pretty open at times and rather than call a winner, both teams to score and over 2.5 goals looks a relatively likely outcome.

Lyon v Marseille

Sun 23rd 19:45

Spain has “El Clásico” and France has the “Olympico” (or Choc des Olympiques for the purists). The Olympico features Olympique Lyon (OL) and Olympique de Marseille (OM). It’s unfortunately been awhile since both teams were of a similar quality on the pitch but there is a ferocity in this rivalry (wihtout the malice) to match many of the more high profile or glamorous derbies around the globe. Lyon are somehow in the mix for a European spot after looking like a top 10 finish might be too much of an ask earlier in the season.

With a bit more luck with key injuries and red cards at bad times, Marseille could be pushing PSG for the title. OM look set to be the bridesmaids for the 3rd time in 4 seasons though. Being neither potent enough in attack or solid enough in defence has also been their undoing. Given there is no way of knowing what version of Blanc’s Lyon will turn up, it’s hard to bet on either side to win this game. Instead, I don’t see either team keeping a clean sheet and likely one side edges out a narrow victory. Another both teams to score and over 2.5 goals looks a good proposition here.