Ligue 1 Predictions: Round 19

Game of the week: Paris Saint-Germain v Stade Brestois, Sunday 19:45 (UK)

Eric Roy continues to work his magic at Brest. Delusions that Les Pirates would inevitably drop off have now seemingly evaporated, and the scepticism has given way to a belief that Brest can truly push to not only finish in the European places but even potentially on the podium. There is a cohesion and workmanlike attitude at the club that is bearing fruit, whilst within this cohesive system, individuals are now beginning to stand out too. This does, however, have consequences, with the likes of Bradley Locko, Lilian Brassier and Pierre Lees-Melou garnering considerable interest during this transfer window. The club’s ability to retain their key assets beyond the end of this month will determine how much Brest can dream but there is no evidence of the much-prophesied dropoff. 

Brest can challenge any team in Ligue 1, PSG included. Luis Enrique’s have been steady since the turn of the year, beating Lens in Ligue 1, whilst inflicting heavy defeats on lower-league opposition in the Coupe de France. Bradley Barcola is imbued with a new-found confidence, which is to the benefit of Kylian Mbappé, who has struck a nice partnership with his compatriot in recent weeks. Whilst Mbappé’s future with Les Parisiens remains undecided, there is no question of the uncertainty seeping into his performances, which have remained of the highest order. 

Defensively, questions can still be asked of this PSG side, and the club’s determination to reinforce their defence further evidences an uneasiness. Milan Skriniar could be out until the end of the season, although truthfully, the former Inter Milan centre-back is yet to look like the solution to Les Parisiens’ defensive woes since his arrival in the summer. PSG will certainly have the lion’s share of the possession during Sunday’s match at the Parc des Princes, but Brest will fancy their chances of hurting their defensively-fragile opposition in transitional phases of play. 

Raphaël’s full predictions

• Lyon 2-2 Rennes
• Nice 1-0 Metz
• Marseille 3-2 Monaco
• Montpellier 2-1 Lille
• Reims 4-1 Nantes
• Clermont 0-1 Strasbourg
• Lorient 1-2 Le Havre
• Toulouse 1-2 Lens
• PSG 3-0 Brest

Luke’s full predictions

• Rennes 2-1 Lyon
• Marseille 2-2 Monaco
• PSG 1-0 Brest
• Nice 1-0 Metz
• Montpellier 0-3 Lille
• Reims 2-0 Nantes
• Clermont Foot 0-0 Strasbourg
• Lorient 0-1 Le Havre
• Toulouse 0-2 Lens

GFFN | Luke Entwistle