Strasbourg vs. Troyes (Monday, 2.00pm)
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Having come so close yet so far to taking points off of runaway leaders Paris Saint-Germain, Strasbourg open their 2023 Ligue 1 adventure against Troyes at the Stade de la Meinau on Monday.
Julien Stephan's side suffered a late 2-1 loss to PSG last time out, while neither ESTAC nor Nantes could find a way through in their midweek goalless stalemate.
We say: Strasbourg 1-0 Troyes
The absence of Balde severely limits Troyes' effectiveness in the final third, and their newfound defensive resilience under Kisnorbo may not count for much on rival territory, where they have shipped goals for fun this term.
Both Strasbourg and Troyes have established a reputation as draw specialists recently, but having performed valiantly against PSG, Strasbourg can nick a crucial goal to post a long-awaited home victory.
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Lille vs. Reims (Monday, 4.00pm)
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Lille and Reims will both endeavour to begin 2023 how they ended 2022 when they lock horns in Monday's Ligue 1 contest at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
Paulo Fonseca's men ran out 2-0 winners over Clermont last time out, while the visitors did the business in an eye-catching 3-1 victory over Rennes.
We say: Lille 2-1 Reims
While Still can bask in rightful adulation after his fast start to life with Reims, picking up a win away from home is a box that he has left unticked, and Lille need no second invitation to turn up the heat at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
The in-form Balogun has been able to trouble most defences in Ligue 1 this season, but a refreshed David spells success for Les Dogues, who should edge an exciting contest to hand Still his first defeat at the helm.
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Montpellier vs. Marseille (Monday, 6.00pm)
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Having posted eye-catching wins to close out 2022, Montpellier HSC and Marseille commence the New Year with Sunday's Ligue 1 battle at the Stade de la Mosson.
La Paillade saw off Lorient 2-0 in their final fixture of the calendar year, while the visitors were in a merciless mood against Toulouse, storming to a 6-1 victory.
We say: Montpellier HSC 1-3 Marseille
Overcoming a Lorient side on a slippery slope is one thing, but Montpellier's mettle will be tested to the extreme versus a Marseille team who possess a goal threat from all vicinities.
Tudor's prolific crop have developed a penchant for goal-laden performances away from home recently, and while La Paillade can feel optimistic about their chances of scoring, the firepower of Marseille should prove too hot to handle.
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Rennes vs. Nice (Monday, 8.00pm)
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Rennes and Nice will be looking to return to winning ways in Ligue 1 when they lock horns at the Roazhon Park on Monday night.
After a near six-week break for the World Cup, Les Rouge et Noir were beaten by Reims on their return to top-flight action, while the Eaglets shared the spoils with Lens.
We say: Rennes 1-1 Nice
There has been little to separate these two sides in recent meetings and another closely-fought contest could be on the cards on Monday.
Rennes will fancy their chances on home soil, but we can see Nice extending their unbeaten run by earning a hard-fought point at the Roazhon Park.
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Matt Law
