St Etienne vs. Reims (Saturday, 4.00pm)
© Imago
The first Saturday fixture of 2025 in Ligue 1 will see Saint-Etienne aim to climb out of a relegation playoff position when they welcome Reims to Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.
Les Verts are currently 16th in the table, losing their final league contest of 2024 2-1 at Toulouse, while the Champagne club are 10th following a 0-0 draw with Monaco.
We say: Saint-Etienne 0-1 Reims
While a new manager tends to come with good early form for that side, we believe Les Verts' struggles in the attacking third will continue against a well-disciplined defensive unit, who also boast top chance creators that can change the complexion of this game.
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Lille vs. Nantes (Saturday, 6.00pm)
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Aiming to extend an extraordinary unbeaten run into the New Year, Lille will welcome Nantes to Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Saturday.
Following a fine run of form, Les Dogues kick off 2025 sitting inside Ligue 1's top four, while their visitors are languishing at the wrong end of the table.
We say: Lille 2-0 Nantes
No current coaches have managed more Ligue 1 games than Bruno Genesio (246) or the vastly experienced Antoine Kombouare (521), yet there has never been a draw between them in the French top flight.
That trend will continue this weekend, when a confident Lille side should make light work of Nantes, who offer little threat and continue to concede goals.
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Lyon vs. Montpellier (Saturday, 8.00pm)
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Lyon and Montpellier HSC lock horns for the 60th time in Ligue 1 on Saturday, with the hosts seeking a 30th win against their upcoming opponents.
There were differing fortunes for the two sides against fourth-tier opposition in the Coupe de France to end 2024, with Montpellier suffering one of the worst results in their history.
We say: Lyon 3-0 Montpellier HSC
Nothing is certain in football, but Lyon have been in superb form and Montpellier hit rock bottom in their last outing, leaving the hosts as huge favourites for this one.
Montpellier have lost five of their last six clashes with Lyon, and have lost every game away from home so far this season, so there is little down for Gasset's side here.
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Oliver Thomas
