The Ligue 1 title race was given a shot in the arm before the international break as runaway leaders Paris Saint-Germain were beaten 2-0 at Rennes, a result that provided a glimmer of hope to the chasing pack.
Although it is too early in the season to be giving PSG the title, the fact that they are still six points clear in the standings after just nine games of the campaign suggests that there is a gulf in class between the capital club and the rest – and a few more surprise results are needed.
Tricky Test for Leaders
PSG are back on home territory for this round of matches and on the face of it, they are in for a test as they take on fourth-placed Angers, who, like their hosts, have lost only one game in the league so far.
Mauricio Pochettino will have to deal with a number of absences due to international commitments this week, with Neymar and Lionel Messi among those to miss out, while there is the Champions League clash with RB Leipzig looming next Tuesday, potentially hindering the focus on Friday’s match.
Angers have made themselves tough to beat this season and head to the Parc des Princes undefeated on the road, although they have won only one of their four away games, having drawn three times, while they have a poor record against PSG, losing the last 12 meetings.
However, given the circumstances, they can make a fight of it and backing the hosts to win with both teams to score looks tempting at 8/5.
Goals In Store on Saturday Night
Saturday night’s prime-time kick-off looks to have the makings of an absolute cracker, with Lyon hosting Monaco at the Groupama Stadium with both sides desperate for the points to stay in the title race.
Lyon have lost only twice this season but have drawn four and find themselves in 10th place in the standings, four places below their opponents, despite Monaco having lost three times so far.
Les Gones have yet to lose at home this season but they have already been held three times and need to start turning those draws into wins if they want to apply any kind of pressure on the leaders.
Monaco have been on the goal trail of late, having scored 10 in their last four games and they can certainly give their hosts a run for their money, having won this fixture 2-0 last season.
Lyon did win at Monaco though so the result is far from clear-cut but backing both teams to score with over 2.5 goals at 4/5 is well worth considering.
Lens Can Maintain PSG Pursuit
Lens will be looking to maintain their pursuit of the leaders and at least consolidate their place in second in the standings, but face a tricky test at Montpellier, who seem to be finding some form.
After a slow start to the campaign, Montpellier go into this clash having lost just one of their last five games, and that was away at PSG, but by the same token, they have won just one with three draws slowing their ascent up the table.
Having drawn three of their opening four games, Lens have discovered the winning formula and have picked up maximum points in four of their last five games, suffering their only defeat (1-0 at home to Strasbourg) during the current run.
Franck Haise’s men have won three of their four away games, drawing at Rennes, and having won 3-2 at Marseille on their last road trip, they should be confident of landing another at 13/10.
*All odds correct at time of writing.