That PSG are winning the league as a mere formality is no surprise. However, not many would have predicted Marseille pulling well clear of the rest in second. Hence, its only natural, in what is becoming a bit of a trend on my weekly picks for Ligue 1, the main focus is again going to be the race for third and a place in the Champions League next season. Rennes, who looked like they were beginning to take control of the coveted spot, haven’t won in two, allowing Lille to reduce the gap to one point on account of three consecutive wins. Visiting Reims is a tough test for Rennes and if they slip up, Lille can overtake them provided they complete the difficult task of beating Marseille at home.
Elsewhere there’s all sorts of jostling for Europa League positions, with the obvious caveat that the likes of Monaco and Lyon actually aspire to be higher than that. In a battle between the last two champions not named PSG, seventh placed Monaco welcome Montpellier in fifth. Robert Moreno has eked out two consecutive victories, but a home win against a tough opponent will give everyone at Monaco the belief that they finally are on an upward trajectory, even if there isn’t much to salvage this season. Meanwhile, Claude Puel got some relief as St Etienne made it to the semis of the Coupe de France, but another victory is vital for Les Verts to not get dragged into an unexpected relegation battle.
Monaco 2 Montpellier 1
Amiens 0 PSG 4
Bordeaux 2 Dijon 1
Nantes 0 Metz 0
Toulouse 0 Nice 2
Nimes 3 Angers 1
Lyon 2 Strasbourg 2
Brest 1 St Etienne 2
Reims 1 Rennes 1
Lille 1 Marseille 1
Season Score - 24/50