Penultimate round in Ligue 1

Monaco–Lille

The biggest top match of the evening and a match that could have enormous significance in the battle for the Champions League places. Both teams play offensive football and have quality up front that makes them dangerous throughout the match. Monaco has been strong at home at Stade Louis II this season, but Lille is a team that thrives in matches with high tempo and great intensity. Historically, this has also been a match that often offers goals and big chances both ways. Neither team has much to gain from playing defensively with so few rounds left in the season. Therefore, I expect an open match where both teams go offensive from the start. There are opportunities for both chances, tempo and drama throughout the match. My clear bet here is both teams score combined with over 2.5 goals.

Le Havre–Marseille

This looks to be a very intense match with the pressure on the away team. Marseille are desperately fighting for European football, and the club probably want a Champions League place, but they will probably have to aim for one of the other places considering the number of points they have, and they know that losing points here can have major consequences with so few rounds left. At the same time, Le Havre is still involved in the relegation battle and will make this a physical and demanding match. The home team will probably stay low and focus on transitions, while Marseille will have to come forward and take the initiative. It could create an open match as the match develops, especially if there is an early goal. Marseille has the quality offensively to score several times, but they have also shown weaknesses defensively in away matches under pressure. Therefore, a lot points to a match where both teams find the back of the net. My bet here is both teams to score combined with over 2.5 goals.

Auxerre–Nice

A match that has taken on enormous significance at the bottom of the table. Both teams are fighting to avoid relegation or a qualifying place, and nerves will likely characterize much of the match. Auxerre have home advantage and know that this could be one of the most important matches of the season, while Nice are playing with the pressure of being a team that never expected to end up in this situation. Such matches are often physically intense and full of duels, but at the same time the pressure often opens up for personal mistakes and large spaces in crucial moments. Neither team is comfortable defensively right now, and both know that winning is far more important than playing controlled. This means that the match can open up more than one would first think. I think both teams will score in tonight's match.