Dermo ends the season with a massive 27/1 treble
The Ligue 1 2022/23 season concludes on Saturday evening as all 20 teams play their remaining game at the same time (20:00 GMT kick-offs). PSG were crowned champions last week even though it’s been a formality for some time. Lens are over the moon with a 2nd place finish and Champions League football. Marseille also have Champions League football next season but are due to part ways with manager Igor Tudor, a strange choice given he’s won more points than last season. Lille, Rennes and Monaco battle it out for the the 2 remaining European places. A point seperates the three so there’s a little bit of pressure on Lille and Rennes to win at Troyes and Brest respectively. Monaco can only win their game against at home to Toulouse and hope one or more results go their way. The only other games of note are relegation candidates Auxerre hosting Lens and Nantes welcoming Angers. Les Canaries are likely to pick up 3pts whilst Auxerre will need a season’s best performance to get the better of 2nd placed Lens if they are to play in Ligue 1 for 2023/24.
Lorient Vs Strasbourg
Sat 3rd 20:00
I had planned a bit of detail to this preview but you are getting 11/5 on at worst a 5/4 chance on a home win.
Monaco Vs Toulouse
Sat 3rd 20:00
In one of the few games that isn’t a dead rubber, Monaco will be desperate to ensure they have a slim hope of European football next season. Having been in a European qualification position from weeks 16 to 37, Philippe Clement’s side have only won 4pts from 18 over the past 6 games. Rumblings of discontent hit the fore this week as defender Ismail Jakobs was suspended by the club for disciplinary issues (something various news agencies have reported as an issue all season). So, why back Les Monégasques here? It’s simple really, they have something to play for and their opponents do not.
Toulouse have essentially been on holiday since winning the Coupe de France and securing Ligue 1 status for next season in the same week at the end of April. They have only scored once in 5 games (albeit they have only conceded twice). Five starting players announced ten days ago that they wouldn’t be returning for next season. This will be essentially a training session for Les Violets with the players hoping to avoid serious injury. The home win price is pretty skinny for a side on a bad run but Monaco to win to nil has appeal at 2/1.
Brest Vs Rennes
Sat 3rd 20:00
Rennes did the business for the column on the road in Week 36 and there’s good reason to believe they will do it again on Saturday. As mentioned last week, Jeremy Doku’s return has been a revelation for Bruno Genesio’s side. And as mentioned above, this game has something to play for at least one team. Rennes currently occupy 5th a point behind Lille and ahead of Monaco on goal difference. The Principality side have no realistic chance to close the goal difference so Les Rouge et Noirs know any sort of win will be enough to have some European adventures next season.
Whilst the away side has a record of W3-D0-L0-F11-A0 over the past 3 games, there’s a different pressure in this game. They are no longer chasing a European spot, rather holding onto one. I see Rennes taking a decent lead but then protecting that lead. The haven’t been incredible on the defensive side of things this year away from home (4 clean sheets in 18). This is a situational spot and I think Rennes to win and both teams to score looks a decent price.
Smart Bets:
Lorient To Win @ 11/5 (1pt win)
Monaco to Win to Nil @ 2/1 (1pt win)
Rennes to Win & BTTS @ 21/10 (1pt win)
Above in treble (best priced): 27/1 (1pt win)
