France’s top-flight approaches matchday 9 on the weekend with a slew of intriguing matchups to spot. In this column, we preview a couple of matchups and provide Ligue 1 odds and predictions odds for your consideration. So, without too much preamble, let’s get started.
Saturday, October 02, 2021 – 03:00 PM EDT at Venue Allianz Riviera
Nice got back on track last weekend behind a convincing 3-0 win over St. Etienne and improve to a 4-2-1 mark and 13 points. As a result, Nice ranks fourth in France’s top flight, one point shy of third-placed Marseille and two points shy of second-placed Lens.
Brestois 29 are winless in eight laps of Ligue 1 action with a 0-4-4 mark and 4 points. Most recently, Brest is coming off a 2-1 loss to Metz, their second-straight loss after losing to Nantes 3-1 on matchday 7. As things currently stand, Brest is 19th in the table and firmly inside the relegation zone.
These two sides couldn’t be enjoying more contrasting fortunes on the 2021 season. So, it’s not surprising to see best sportsbooks tip Nice as the firm home favorites on the soccer odds board, anywhere between -160 to 170, depending on the choice sportsbook in question.
In all likelihood, Nice will dominate this matchup and convincingly. In their last five fixtures across all competitions, Nice has scored 11 goals and conceded three.
Soccer Pick: Nice (-160) at Bovada (visit our Bovada Review)
Sunday, October 03, 2021 - 07:00 AM EDT at Venue Roazhon Park
PSG is dominating Ligue 1 after a hot start to the 2021 campaign. They’re undefeated through eight laps, collecting a maximum of 24 points and a perfect 8-0-0 record. Most impressively, they’ve scored 22 goals and conceded merely 7 – the latter of which represents an average of less than one goal per game.
Mauricio Pochettino has one of the most complete teams in France’s top flight and, even, Europe. From the recent addition of Lionel Messi to Neymar, Mbappe, and Donnarumma, amongst several others, PSG’s roster is a veritable who’s who of football. It will take a special team or some incredible luck to derail PSG from its furious pace.
Most recently, Pochettino’s side beat Manchester City 2-0 in Champions League action with Gueye and Messi scoring a goal each. Prior to that, the Parisiennes beat Montpellier 2-0.
Rennes currently ranks 13th overall in Ligue 1 with a 2-3-3 mark and 9 points. Most recently, Rennes is riding a two-game unbeaten streak which includes a 6-0 win over Clemont and a 1-1 draw with Bordeaux. This mini-run of positive form comes at the perfect time, just in time for their big date with PSG at Roazhon Park.
Beating PSG is a tough ask, but having confidence ahead of the game is crucial. Without it, Rennes would be no hope.
PSG is on the away for this matchup, which means the soccer odds are more favorable for the betting. The best price is available at Bovada Sportsbook, where a bet on the Parisiennes is priced at -155. Given it’s a bet on PSG, it holds appeal.
Soccer Pick: PSG (-155) at Bovada
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.