Ligue 1 Predictions, Round 10
GFFN editor-in-chief Luke Entwistle and GFFN’s Raphaël Jucobin face off in our Ligue 1 predictions competition. It’s three points for a correct score, two points for a correct score difference, and one point for a correct result. Who will come out on top at the end of the season?
SCORES
Raphaël: 51
Luke: 56
Game of the week: Paris Saint-Germain v RC Lens, Saturday 16:00 (UK)
We still don’t truly know how good this PSG side are. After failing to impress in Europe, the match against Marseille was meant to be a litmus test for their competitiveness on the domestic stage. It wasn’t. Marseille were reduced to 10 men by the 20-minute mark and so few deductions could be taken. The same strengths and weaknesses were on show. Bradley Barcola and João Neves looked strong, Ousmane Dembélé was also impressive, until he was asked to provide the final ball or the shot.
After a run of three losses in four games against Lens, PSG have now won all of their last three against Les Sang et Or, but there is cause for optimism, despite their loss against Lens in the Derby du Nord last weekend. That result hinged on a late dubious refereeing decision as LOSC were awarded a penalty in the dying stages. For much of the match, Lens were solid and also worked good chances.
Will Still, however, has shown himself to be pragmatic and with some key players missing, notably in attacking areas, he may settle for his side being compact, rather than pressing high. Barcola should be kept quieter with Lens utilising full-backs, one of which will be tight to Barcola throughout. Limit Barcola and you limit PSG. That isn’t to say that PSG won’t have joy through the middle, where Neves can have a great effect, but it will be congested for PSG. With Facundo Medina now in midfield and with Kevin Danso back, there is intensity and aggression in the duels. Les Sang et Or are more than capable of shutting this PSG side out.
Raphaël full predictions
Luke’s full predictions
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
