football | Friday, May 5, 2023 12:03 PM

Ligue 1 Best Bets: Value Picks for Four Matches this Weekend

Sam Ingram

Ligue 1 Best Bets: 6th-7th May

Five games to go in France as European qualification, relegation, and the title race is still very much in the air. The four picks below still have it all to play for, particularly the game of the weekend which sees Marseille travel to RC Lens.

In this article:

Reims vs Lille Preview & Best Bet
RC Lens vs Marseille Preview & Best Bet
Lyon vs Montpellier Preview & Best Bet
Troyes vs PSG Preview & Best Bet

Reims vs Lille Preview

Saturday, May 6th, 18:00 (UK)

Will Still would vehemently refute any claims to suggest his Reims side is ‘on the beach’, though recent results may propose otherwise. Reims have now lost three games on the bounce. What’s worse is that the fixtures against Clemont, Strasbourg and Rennes saw Will Still’s side lose to nil, unable to find a goal in 270 minutes of football.

In the away dressing room, Lille remains focused on clinching European football. They’re currently three points ahead of Rennes and six away from Lyon – both of which will fancy their chances in making up the difference as the season winds down to an exciting finish.

Reims vs Lille Best Bet

Given the current form and nothing to play for in Reims, I like the thought of the -0.25 Asian Handicap at that price point. At worst, I think Reims can do enough to lock in a score-draw and return half stakes. If they fail to find the net again, though, Lille should win this.

On the road this season, Lille have managed 24 goals in 16 games. I’d be shocked if they don’t ruffle a few feathers across that Reims backline.

Selection: Lille -0.25 Asian Handicap
Best Odds: 1.77 (Unibet)
Stakes: 10/10

More Reims vs Lille Tips

RC Lens vs Marseille Preview

Sunday, May 7th, 20:00 (UK)

It’s a big one. One point separates RC Lens in third and Marseille in second with only five games to play, as the latter from the port city of Marseille travels to the former in search of a hearty haul once they cast their net on Saturday evening.

It’s a tough fixture to call in the 1X2 markets, of course. However, if you think MArseille can cause the hosts a few problems, which I believe they’re more than capable of, there is a player shots angle that may go close.

Cengiz Under is in form. He has scored a goal in each of Marseille’s last three games, aiding his side to a victory in all three. The former Leicester man didn’t hit multiple shots against Auxerre last time out (1), although three shots away in Lyon and five at home to Troyes highlight what type of mood he may be in on the weekend.

RC Lens vs Marseille Best Bet

At 1.80, it seems like a fair price to take on for someone in form and usually willing to pull the trigger at any given opportunity. From 22.7 90s this season, Ünder boasts a 2.60 shots per90 figure – a squad-leading total.

Selection: Cengiz Ünder Over 1.5 Shots
Best Odds: 1.80 (bet365)
Stakes: 7.5/10

More RC Lens vs Marseille Tips

Lyon vs Montpellier Preview

Sunday, May 7th, 16:05 (UK)

The first thought when eyeing up Montpellier’s jaunt to Lyon? Goals.

The suggested selection has romped home in the recent four Lyon matches for the home side (3-1, 1-2, 1-2, & 1-2). Continuing the 1-2 scoreline theme, the October head-to-head served up just that, as Lyon whisked three points away from Montpellier’s grasp.

In the away corner, Montpellier’s thumping of Monaco in Monaco should spread confidence in front of goal like wildfire coming into this match. But, of course, there’s nothing on the line for Montpellier, who are now comfortably mid-table. Yet, if there was ever going to be a shot in the arm in terms of personal performance, it’s a 0-4 away triumph against one of the league’s trickiest outfits.

Lyon vs Montpellier Best Bet

That head-turning thrashing adds to Montpellier’s impressive goal haul when playing away from home this season. The 26 strikes in 16 pushes a 1.63 goals-scored per90 figure on the road in the spotlight, with 27 (1.69 per90) goals conceded at the other end.

The season’s numbers and the aforementioned recent goalscoring form in both camps propose we could be in for an entertaining afternoon in Lyon.

Selection: BTTS & O2.5 Goals
Best Odds: 2.00 (bet365)
Stakes: 10/10

More Lyon vs Montpellier Tips

Troyes vs PSG Preview

Sunday, May 7th, 19:45 (UK)

It has been a testing week for the powers that be at Paris Saint Germain. Lionel Messi’s unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia has left him with a hefty fine and suspension, whilst PSG ultras protest over the club’s ownership following recent on-field displays.

Losing 3-1 to Lorient last weekend has brought the title race in France tantalisingly close, meaning that a victory against Troyes on Sunday is a must as Lens (3rd) vs Marseille (2nd) plays out elsewhere in the league. Messi’s absence casts a shadow over PSG’s chances of a response against relegation-threatened Troyes. Still, given the standard of opposition they’ll be facing, PSG should have minimal concerns in terms of possessing the ability to turn over this poor Troyes outfit.

Troyes vs PSG Best Bet

With the Argentinian not permitted to travel with the squad, the onus to stump up the goods at the top end of the pitch falls to Kylian Mbappe. That should lend itself to the PSG’s leading man working the keeper regularly and building on his 4.56 shots per90 average, which leads Ligue1’s shot rankings for the season.

Selection: PSG Win, Over 1.5 Goals & Over 3.5 Mbappe Shots
Best Odds: 1.95 (bet365)
Stakes: 10/10

More Troyes vs PSG Tips

Odds via bet365 as at 08:00, May 6th 2023. Odds may now differ.

What are Football Best Bets?

Our best bets are posted by some of the best tipsters around. These are our tipsters best value bets. A best bet can be placed on any number of different markets. The most common of which are 1X2, the Asian handicap, BTTS, and the goals markets. Value can be found in matches from leagues across the world. Be sure to follow bettingexpert for the latest best bets.