Angers SCO will host FC Nantes at 20h45 on Friday, but the odds do not seem to favor the home team. Historically, Angers has struggled against Nantes in Ligue 1, managing to secure a mere 16% of wins in previous home encounters (4 out of 25 matches), the lowest win ratio against teams they have faced at least five times, only slightly better than their record against Paris SG (13%).
In contrast, FC Nantes boasts a strong defensive record, having executed the most clearances in the league with 424, led by Chidozie Awaziem, who himself has made 119 clearances and delivered a staggering 169 long passes, by far the highest among his peers. Additionally, Haris Belkebla has covered the longest total distance this season, clocking in at 183.99 km on the pitch.
The match on Saturday will feature Stade Rennais FC against Stade Brestois 29 at 17h00. Rennes has yet to win any of their seven derbies this season, managing only two draws and five losses. Both teams are tied for the second-most errors leading to goals this season, each contributing five instances, trailing behind Paris FC. Notably, Estéban Lepaul has shone for Angers and Rennes, having made the most runs in depth (159).
Later that day, at 19h00, FC Metz will take on Paris Saint-Germain. Metz has faced a daunting challenge in recent matches, losing their last 14 encounters against PSG and potentially facing the risk of becoming only the second team in league history to lose 15 straight times to the same opponent. PSG, interestingly, has not fared well after Champions League fixtures this season, winning only two of five matches (1 draw, 2 losses). Furthermore, PSG leads the league in winning duels, achieving 130 victories, while an impressive 16 players have found the back of the net for them this season, the highest total among Europe’s top five leagues.
Saturday continues with the Paris FC versus Toulouse FC match at 21h05. Toulouse has remained undefeated against promoted teams this season with a record of five wins and three draws. The club is renowned for its prowess in aerial duels, boasting 249 won, which is the best in the league. Playmakers Ilan Kebbal and Maxime Lopez (32 and 31 assists, respectively) are expected to be pivotal along with Toulouse’s Yann Gboho (27).
On Sunday, Olympique Lyonnais faces Havre AC at 15h00. Lyon has struggled, earning only nine points since early October, equaling the record of Paris FC and FC Metz. Both Lyon and Havre have been involved in numerous fouls this season, with Lyon committing the most and obtaining the most corners since the opening day of the season.
RC Lens and OGC Nice will meet at 17h15, with Lens being the only team to not drop points after taking the lead this season. They have also enjoyed a remarkable home winning streak, claiming victory in their last six matches there. Conversely, Nice has seen better days with five successive losses in the league, only matching their worst streak in the last 60 years.
The final matches of the day will see AJ Auxerre hosting LOSC Lille and RC Strasbourg Alsace squaring off against FC Lorient, both at 17h15. Lille has garnered significantly fewer points away from home compared to their home performance, while Strasbourg has maintained a scoring streak at home, having found the net in their last 13 fixtures. Strasbourg also leads the league in pressing, while Lorient has incurred the most fouls.
Lastly, Olympique de Marseille will take on AS Monaco at 20h45. Marseille ranks second in possession, pass accuracy, and passing sequences, trailing only PSG in these categories. Monaco, meanwhile, has experienced a tough stretch, winning only one of their last five league matches, which mirrors their performance prior to this downturn.
As the fixtures approach, teams will be keen to shift the momentum in their favor, and the statistical battles within each encounter will be as compelling as ever.
