French Soccer League Predictions and Discussion Thread (Ligue 1)

[slapper]

Arsenal have no other commitments, the determination that led them to victory in the Championship will now accompany them to this final, which moreover is the only thing they need to focus on at the moment.
It will be an epic battle, Arsenal were one of the favourites right at the start of the season, but in the end PSG gained more confidence.

Arsenal and PSG are not under pressure in their own league. PSG are Ligue 1 champions and Arsenal are Premier League champions. And now the only target of both clubs is to secure the Champions League title.

I agree with you. Arsenal's performance in the first round was amazing. But their performance in the knockout round was a bit slow. I have not seen Arsenal dominate and win any match. On the other hand, PSG's performance in the first round was weak. But PSG played very well in the knockout round matches. Especially they defeated teams like Munich, Liverpool and Chelsea.

PSG was similar last season. They had a poor start even having to advance through the play offs, but by the round of 16, their performance had improved and they secured their first Champions League title. This season has had a similar journey having to advance through the play-offs and through the knockout stages facing tough opponents to reach the final. Meanwhile, Arsenal got off to a good start, but in the knockout stages they played cautiously making it difficult for them to score. Interestingly, Arsenal are undefeated so far proving their solid defense.

So, the final will be an exciting match, especially with both teams having the same goal of winning their respective domestic leagues. It's interesting to watch, especially if PSG manages to secure back-to-back trophies or Arsenal wins their first Champions League trophy.

What's gnawing on my mind is the referee. Daniel Siebert. German. Very strict whistle, cards fly early and everything.

Why is that important? Arsenal's game is centered around tactical fouls in midfield. Rice grabs someone, breaks up the counter, takes the free kick and everyone resets. It's cynical and brilliant. However, if Siebert begins to fill up for that sort of crap early (and he will, as he has in the past) then Rice finds himself sitting on a yellow halfway through. For the rest of the match, he may not be able to touch anybody.

In the meantime, Dembele and Kvaratskhelia are the type of players that attract fouls simply by running at players. PSG receives free kicks in dangerous zones pretty much for free.

There's the other side of it though. Arsenal's corners. They are doing something that is truly new at corners this season. Rice's delivery, Gabriel and Saliba's attack on the near post, the near post screens set up. It is effective nearly all of the time.

PSG's defence in the event of chaos in their box? Not great. Really not great actually.

So in my mind, it goes like this: Arsenal pick a corner up, Arteta gets everything under control. Then the question is: can PSG do it when the clock is ticking and the best defense in Europe is in place? Or PSG score first and everything goes downhill from there. That's where Enrique's team is best suited, and Arsenal have little to no experience dealing with them.

No matter which way, I can't wait! This one is not like the others.

[tygeade]

The fact that PSG has become ligue 1 winners and UCL winners last season after Mbappe left, and then maybe repeating the same thing this season by the looks of it, shows that when you are a team, you are doing better. This is what most teams these days are missing, it is not just the fault of coaches, sure Enrique is a great coach, but if players did not listen to him, that would not worked.

Look at Xabi, he tried doing the same at Real Madrid and players got him fired instead. So it is about mindset of the players as well, that is a lot more important. I feel like the number one thing this team does is comradery, they all like each other and actually feel like a team, all 11 are equal, and that is what makes them so strong.

[giorgione]

PSG is not capable of managing success and their only outlet is to always win. They are addicted to victory and when they have the possibility of victory in front of them, they don't let it slip away. Arsenal must be very careful, but if PSG can be guilty of arrogance, Arsenal could make them pay.

PSG's attack is very strong. They have the ability to score a lot of goals  because of the good understanding between the players. On the other hand, Arsenal's attack is a bit weak. But arsenal's defense is very strong. And that's why PSG will be under a lot of pressure in the match. i am looking forward to seeing Luis enrique's match strategy. Enrique is a very  experienced and clever coach. Since  the beginning of the season, we can see that he is very  serious about the champions league this season as well. He will not want to lose the chance of winning two champions leagues in a row.

eeexactly, they are addicted to winning but it takes a moment to slip up and then go on to do badly and make something wrong, its really easy, but i understand that PSG are certainly right to believe strongly in them, because anyway the first victory happens in the head and its the mental one, if you have that you're already one step ahead

[POPOLUV]

The fact that PSG has become ligue 1 winners and UCL winners last season after Mbappe left, and then maybe repeating the same thing this season by the looks of it, shows that when you are a team, you are doing better. This is what most teams these days are missing, it is not just the fault of coaches, sure Enrique is a great coach, but if players did not listen to him, that would not worked.

Look at Xabi, he tried doing the same at Real Madrid and players got him fired instead. So it is about mindset of the players as well, that is a lot more important. I feel like the number one thing this team does is comradery, they all like each other and actually feel like a team, all 11 are equal, and that is what makes them so strong.

What people mostly generalize when  players of a particular teams are not playing very well in that season, that the fault is the coaches, they neglect to check if actually the fault is from the coach or the players because sometimes players can be very funny, they gang up or team up not to do well, just for the coaches to be sack, and i can remember that during in the middle of season that so many teams experience sacking several coaches at a goal. So since Paris Saint-Germain is in the final once again this season, it is a great archevemant for the club and if they could do well, i think they might succeed in the final.

[banana33]

Honestly, I expect Paris Saint-Germain to win the French league again next year. Olympique Lyon or any other French team can't compete with Paris Saint-Germain. Paris Saint-Germain will easily win again next year. The French league is no longer a difficult place for them. Their main goal has become winning the Champions League.

For me PSG no longer surprises me, they have a crazy pace that no other team can reach and i don't think there will be the possibility for any other team to win the championship, next year they will be even better prepared with other signings as we are used to from them.

[fuguebtc]

The fact that PSG has become ligue 1 winners and UCL winners last season after Mbappe left, and then maybe repeating the same thing this season by the looks of it, shows that when you are a team, you are doing better. This is what most teams these days are missing, it is not just the fault of coaches, sure Enrique is a great coach, but if players did not listen to him, that would not worked.

Look at Xabi, he tried doing the same at Real Madrid and players got him fired instead. So it is about mindset of the players as well, that is a lot more important. I feel like the number one thing this team does is comradery, they all like each other and actually feel like a team, all 11 are equal, and that is what makes them so strong.

I do not completely agree with you. But you are right that when  players think about the team's success and not just their own, it becomes easier for them to perform consistently well.

PSG are strong  as a team. They are not  dependent on any specific player. That is why Dembele's injury does not have a big impact on PSG's overall performance. That is why they were able to win all the titles last season. On the other hand, Real madrid has a very strong squad. Even then , they could not  win any title. One of the  reasons for this is the wea k bonding between the players.

Madrid management gave more priority to  their players. That is why they fired the manager. And that was their biggest mistake this  season. And that is why madrid is going to bring in a manager like mourinho. They  will not give more priority to the  players anymore.

[Phoenix Anka]

Honestly, I expect Paris Saint-Germain to win the French league again next year. Olympique Lyon or any other French team can't compete with Paris Saint-Germain. Paris Saint-Germain will easily win again next year. The French league is no longer a difficult place for them. Their main goal has become winning the Champions League.

For me PSG no longer surprises me, they have a crazy pace that no other team can reach and i don't think there will be the possibility for any other team to win the championship, next year they will be even better prepared with other signings as we are used to from them.

PSG's squad is so good and so deep that even if they don't make any transfers next year, they can still finish very well in the Champions League. Furthermore, I would say they currently have one of the best young players in the world. Many of their players will still be 26 or 27 years old in five years. Therefore, Paris Saint-Germain will remain one of the favorites next year. Will they win the championship against Arsenal in the final?

[HajiBagi]

The fact that PSG has become ligue 1 winners and UCL winners last season after Mbappe left, and then maybe repeating the same thing this season by the looks of it, shows that when you are a team, you are doing better. This is what most teams these days are missing, it is not just the fault of coaches, sure Enrique is a great coach, but if players did not listen to him, that would not worked.

Look at Xabi, he tried doing the same at Real Madrid and players got him fired instead. So it is about mindset of the players as well, that is a lot more important. I feel like the number one thing this team does is comradery, they all like each other and actually feel like a team, all 11 are equal, and that is what makes them so strong.

A lot of people has criticised Mbape since PSG won the UCL last season and about to win another one but why those people also don’t forget that the team has played in the UCL final with Mbape before ? And PSG also have players like Messi, Neymar, Di Maria and Ibramovic and they never win the UCL, some of us don’t know how to criticise Mbape because if they know they will never think he is the problem of PSG.

The reason why PSG win the UCL is because they build the team by spending on young players and not stars players, PSG squad did not have any player that is a world class player that is why Luis Enrique was able to control and win the the UCL and make them one of the best players in the world, Mbape is not the reason why Alonso was sacked in Real Madrid, Alonso tried to build a team and many players did not like it and Alonso is also a coach with ego and with star players at Real Madrid things will be difficult for any young coach.

[kriminall]

We see that Paris Saint-Germain has represented the French league in the Champions League in the best possible way. Now they are in the finals and will face Arsenal. Although Arsenal is a tough opponent, Paris Saint-Germain currently seems to have the advantage. Furthermore, they are already the team with the strongest chance of winning the French league title next year. When the transfer window opens in the summer, teams will add many players to their squads, but I can't think of any team that could build a better squad than Paris Saint-Germain. Also, let's see what Lens, one of the best teams this year, will do in the transfer window.

[aipercoin]

PSG must be very careful and must not make wrong choices because this year Arsenal is really determined to go all the way and win the Champions League too, after all they have always been one of the favorites from the beginning, this is just the right ending for a team that has been one of the strongest so far.

PS G must make sure not to be carried away by the hype or allowed pressure or fear to set in as a result of the confidence Arsenal may display from now on ward, if they must  defend  the title as the most recent champions, then they will have to see that everthing is under control till the game is over, because it is not over untill it is.

that's what i think too, PSG is a very strong team that can definitely win the match, but they shouldn't underestimate the fact that these Arsenal players are truly at a crazy level this year and strongly believe they can win, they're certainly not Inter who didn't manage to win anything then.

[Minor Miner]

that's what i think too, PSG is a very strong team that can definitely win the match, but they shouldn't underestimate the fact that these Arsenal players are truly at a crazy level this year and strongly believe they can win, they're certainly not Inter who didn't manage to win anything then.

The biggest strength of PSG is the  excellent understanding between the players. And Luis enrique's match strategy is also excellent. He has  created a squad where they are  not dependent on any particular player. Everyone tries  to perform well in their position. And that is why their  overall performance is quite strong.

Bookies consider psg  as favorites against Arsenal. And this is normal. They have played well and won against teams like liverpool, chelsea and munich. They have been able to prove  their capabilities well. But the opponent Arsenal is also very strong. If PSG makes any mistake in the match, they will be  defeated.

[Slow death]

Coupe de France

Lens - Nice

Today the French Cup champion will be decided. On one side we have Lens, who finished second in Ligue 1, and with PSG already declared champions, Lens comes into today's game with less pressure, focusing only on today's match. But on the other side we have Nice, who finished 16th, which earned them a relegation playoff spot. In this case, Nice will be under pressure in this game. They have a playoff match on the 26th of this month, the first leg of which, so they can't afford to tire their best players today, much less risk them getting injured, because I believe staying in Ligue 1 is the management's priority. That's why I bet on a Lens victory.

[Pandu Geddon]

Coupe de France

Lens - Nice

Today the French Cup champion will be decided. On one side we have Lens, who finished second in Ligue 1, and with PSG already declared champions, Lens comes into today's game with less pressure, focusing only on today's match. But on the other side we have Nice, who finished 16th, which earned them a relegation playoff spot. In this case, Nice will be under pressure in this game. They have a playoff match on the 26th of this month, the first leg of which, so they can't afford to tire their best players today, much less risk them getting injured, because I believe staying in Ligue 1 is the management's priority. That's why I bet on a Lens victory.

In terms of performance, of course, Nice will be favored. But looking at their last meeting, which ended in a draw, there might also be a surprise in the final match. Although I am confident that Lens can dominate the game quite well. If there are no red card mistakes like in their previous meeting, Lens should definitely be superior. Nice's priority will certainly focus on the playoffs.

[Velvet78]

It is such an interesting situation for Nice now... They have a cup finale to play tonight and only a few days after that, play-out games are starting for them to stay in the Ligue 1.

I think they won't be able to win the cup. Lens are just a very strong opponent for them currently. But I expect them to hold onto the league at least. What a pity that they have dropped to this level from 4th finisher in the league last season. 

[Fiatless]

We see that Paris Saint-Germain has represented the French league in the Champions League in the best possible way. Now they are in the finals and will face Arsenal. Although Arsenal is a tough opponent, Paris Saint-Germain currently seems to have the advantage. Furthermore, they are already the team with the strongest chance of winning the French league title next year. When the transfer window opens in the summer, teams will add many players to their squads, but I can't think of any team that could build a better squad than Paris Saint-Germain. Also, let's see what Lens, one of the best teams this year, will do in the transfer window.

Don't you think it is too early to start predicting who will win the French League next season? Yes, PSG have been the champions for five consistent seasons. However, we cannot predict what next season holds. It is possible for one of the clubs in the French League to be taken over by a company that is willing to invest money in its development. A new ownership might end up buying some of the best players and hiring a quality managerial team that would make them competitive next season. I can't wait for this to happen because I want an end to PSG's dominance.

[jakdanyel]

Yes, there is a Coupe de France finale waiting for us. It's starting around an hour! Not seeing PSG here might look weird to some people but it doesn't feel so for me.

Because they are mainly concentrating on bigger tournaments. As for the match I'm waiting for Lens to be the winner with a decent score. They have beaten Lyon 4-0 away recently which could be used as a big motivation.

Don't you think it is too early to start predicting who will win the French League next season?

I mean in the last 10 years there are only 2 seasons with different champions. This is definitely one of the leagues to predict the next champion easier.

[Egii Nna]

Honestly, I expect Paris Saint-Germain to win the French league again next year. Olympique Lyon or any other French team can't compete with Paris Saint-Germain. Paris Saint-Germain will easily win again next year. The French league is no longer a difficult place for them. Their main goal has become winning the Champions League.

For me PSG no longer surprises me, they have a crazy pace that no other team can reach and i don't think there will be the possibility for any other team to win the championship, next year they will be even better prepared with other signings as we are used to from them.

In the Ligue 1, PSG has more money than other teams in the league, and still they have more good players than most of the teams, which is why they are the main dominant of the league. Being the dominant of a league is good, but any league without competition tends to be predictable, and most of the people will not like to watch it anymore, as they already know the outcome of the league, which is why I want the Ligue 1 to be more competitive. I enjoy this season more than the previous season because there was a bit of competition, which I am expecting to see more of next season.

[Jewan420]

In the Ligue 1, PSG has more money than other teams in the league, and still they have more good players than most of the teams, which is why they are the main dominant of the league. Being the dominant of a league is good, but any league without competition tends to be predictable, and most of the people will not like to watch it anymore, as they already know the outcome of the league, which is why I want the Ligue 1 to be more competitive. I enjoy this season more than the previous season because there was a bit of competition, which I am expecting to see more of next season.

When a club is more successful, it is natural that the financial capacity of that club will be greater. To be successful, any club has to invest a few seasons in the beginning. I don't think there is any club in Ligue 1 that can invest enough to compete with PSG.
Lens has competed well with PSG this season without making any major investments. I hope that they will be even stronger in the coming season and compete for the title. We may even see a few more clubs take a strong position in this competition. If that happens, then PSG's dominance in Ligue 1 will end and the league will be competitive and exciting.

[Egii Nna]

In the Ligue 1, PSG has more money than other teams in the league, and still they have more good players than most of the teams, which is why they are the main dominant of the league. Being the dominant of a league is good, but any league without competition tends to be predictable, and most of the people will not like to watch it anymore, as they already know the outcome of the league, which is why I want the Ligue 1 to be more competitive. I enjoy this season more than the previous season because there was a bit of competition, which I am expecting to see more of next season.

When a club is more successful, it is natural that the financial capacity of that club will be greater. To be successful, any club has to invest a few seasons in the beginning. I don't think there is any club in Ligue 1 that can invest enough to compete with PSG.
Lens has competed well with PSG this season without making any major investments. I hope that they will be even stronger in the coming season and compete for the title. We may even see a few more clubs take a strong position in this competition. If that happens, then PSG's dominance in Ligue 1 will end and the league will be competitive and exciting.

That is my point, but for that to happen, the other teams will have to focus more and put effort into buying new players and even creating a better strategy to achieve that. PSG are strong, we all know that, and it has been said that for you to make it to the top, you have to do what others are not doing, so if teams like Lyon, Marseille, and Lens will focus more next season, I know they will be able to achieve the trophy.

[ndutndut]

Honestly, I expect Paris Saint-Germain to win the French league again next year. Olympique Lyon or any other French team can't compete with Paris Saint-Germain. Paris Saint-Germain will easily win again next year. The French league is no longer a difficult place for them. Their main goal has become winning the Champions League.

For me PSG no longer surprises me, they have a crazy pace that no other team can reach and i don't think there will be the possibility for any other team to win the championship, next year they will be even better prepared with other signings as we are used to from them.

It's very difficult for another team to compete with PSG in Ligue 1, especially with a squad that's as it is. If another team wants to compete with PSG of course one of the requirements is a wealthy investor investing in a Ligue 1 team. Without investors, it will be difficult to break PSG dominance in Ligue 1.

This year we saw only Lens able to compete with PSG although they ultimately gave up. They gave up because they were simply unable to compete with their existing squad. This is very different from PSG which has a complete squad with nearly the same quality of reserves and starting players. This also makes it easier for Enrique to rotate players. Without investors investing in a Ligue 1 team, it will be difficult to break PSG dominance. Even if a team could break PSG dominance in one season it would require a miracle like Leverkusen did in the Bundesliga.