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Genesis is an expert on all things French football and runs an excellent Twitter channel here. There is a whole lot more to Ligue 1 than simply PSG, Messi, Mbappe and Neymar. It is increasingly becoming a highly entertaining league with a wealth of young and exciting talent.
Each week, Genesis will be sharing his inside knowledge on the happenings within French Football and Ligue 1, so you can be well equipped to spot value betting opportunities each week.
Ligue 1 Weekly Review
What To Look Out For In Ligue 1 This Weekend – Game Week 8
- High Flying Underdog
At the start of the season I faded a few teams who I felt were primed for regression. I got Strasbourg and Nantes right so far. I’ll give my Marseille and RC Lens shouts a few more weeks to develop! However, a team I had similar concerns for, Lorient, seem to be genuinely bucking the trend. Marseille and Lens are two of the leagues stronger sides so picking them to stumble is a fraught exercise. Lorient however are one of the leagues smallest budgets and least fashionable clubs. They have a small squad packed with unremarkable names. The exceptions being Armand Lauriente and Enzo Le Fee. Lauriente departed for Sassuolo late in the window. Le Fee, to the surprise rise of many and joy of Lorient fans, chose to stay despite wide ranging interest. And it’s been him, along with early season break out star Dango Ouattara who’ve helped fire Lorient to 4th, yes 4th place. Attack minded manager Regis Le Bris has his team playing lovely football. However, I’d attach a strong warning sign to Lorient. I don’t see this run lasting. Be warned if seeking to back Les Merlus at attractive odds based on their early form and league position.
Here are the latest betting odds for Ligue 1 at the time of publishing:
2. The Beauty Of RC Lens
Frank Haise could be the best manager in Ligue 1. The magic he and RC Lens’ ownership continue to weave seems to defy logic. As stated above, I had Lens down for major regression after losing key players over the summer. And yet, they sit third in Ligue 1 unbeaten in 15 games across this season and last and are two points behind joint leaders PSG and Marseille. Keeping talisman Seko Fofana was huge. PSG were hot on his trail but, luckily for Lens, stumped inexplicably for Renato Sanches in the end. Fofana makes Lens tick on match day. But Franck Haise’s overall work in his time in charge has been nothing short of remarkable. Since being promoted in 2019-20 Lens have finished 7th twice and last season missed qualifying for Europe by a whisker. Alongside Fofana, unheralded names such as Florian Sotoca and Salis Abdul Samed drive Lens ever upwards. The better known Lois Opendahas also made a flying start to life in France. I’d still be a little wary of their lofty position at the moment. They do have a tendency to fade later in the season. But more than anything they will remain a genuine pleasure to watch for the rest of the season.
Ligue 1 – Game Of The Week – Marseille vs Rennes
Marseille vs Rennes, 18th September 14:00 (UK time)
Despite off field rumblings by players during pre season and being roundly booed fans at the Veledrome early in the season Igor Tudor has got Marseille purring. Sat second in the table level with PSG and unbeaten in the league those late pre season worries have dissipated fast. And it’s not been a cake walk start. They’ve beaten Lille (2-1), Nice (3-0) and Nantes (2-1) so far. It’s not been flashy but it has been highly effective. OM are not the most possession hungry team, nor the most productive from an attacking stand point. Yet they sit on a record of 15 scored and 4 conceded. And all of this with club legend Dimitri Payet confined to a much more limited role and far more workmanlike players such as Sam Gigot, Jordan Veretout and Val Rongier laying the foundation. Last minute signing Alexis Sanchez has added some attacking prowess and is seemingly silencing the many doubters for what must be his last hurrah in the top 5 leagues.
In contrast Rennes, my personal pick for 2nd place this season, have had a more rocky start. They’re on a run of four unbeaten now but losing to Lorient and Lens and drawing with Troyes and a wobbling Monaco has set them back from their main rivals early in the season. Nonetheless, this Rennes squad is stacked with talent. Yes, their defence is nothing to write home about. They’ve conceded 7 so far this season. But in midfield and especially in attack they have frightening options and a talent production line from the academy that seems to never sleep. The addition of Amine Gouiri has seen Genesio shift to a slightly different system and set up and it seems to be working. Goals are never far away. Rennes have taken the most shots in open play in Ligue 1 this season.
A huge factor could well be the injury to Baptiste Santamaria for Rennes. He remains a constantly underrated midfield machine. He is the glue for Rennes’ more flamboyant, more forward thinking elements. Marseille’s midfield is dogged and difficult to outplay. With Santamaria gone the likes of hyper talented but raw Lesley Ugochukwu and Desire Doue will take on more responsibility. Marseille will prey on them.
As such, in the cauldron of the Veledrome, I’d expect Marseille to win. The score should be low but it would not be a surprise if Rennes bagged a goal.
