Sam’s Fail-Proof Ligue 1 Predictions

By: Sam | August 1st, 2007

Greg at the Portugal Offside presented to us his wacky Liga predictions today, and not being able to resist the urge any longer, I’m going to lay it all down. Top scorers, top finishers, blah, blah, blah, you get the idea. Be sure to tell me if you agree or disagree.

Most goals: Djibril Cissé (Marseille)
No one and nobody alike are saying otherwise in the wait leading up to the start of the season. The man was in tip-top form in the preseason, hasn’t been injured since The Injury, and has three world-class mids to set him up. He can score with his feet as well as with his head, as he showed at the end of last season. But, like every single footballer in the history of the sport, he’ll have to count on a bit of luck. Other candidates include Batéfimbi Gomis (Saint-Étienne), Johan Elmander (Toulouse) and Steve Savidan (Valenciennes).

Most assists: Samir Nasri (Marseille)
I might get some naysayers here, but I’m confident Samir will explode onto the scene even more than he did last season. This time around he’ll be uncontested in the attacking mid role. If you’ve ever watched him, you know he has an ability to pick out strikers and has unparalleled technical skills. Other candidates: Juninho (Lyon), Ilan (Saint-Étienne), Olivier Monterrubio (Lens).

Most yellow cards: Cyril Rool (Nice)
Last season, in twenty-five matches, the holding midfielder/defender racked up twelve yellows and a red. With the many defenders leaving Nice this summer, Rool’ll surely be given some defensive assignments throughout the campaign. And he’ll be happy to fulfill them, no matter how many late and heavy challenges he happens to commit. Other candidates: Lorik Cana (Marseille), Cris (Lyon), Jerko Leko (Monaco).

Best keeper: Mickaël Landreau (PSG)
The age of the Coupet is winding to a close, and the age of the six thousand young French goalkeepers isn’t in full flight yet. Landreau is suspiciously competent when it comes to stopping penalties, and robbing goals by means of his quick hands. With an improved defense corps, and PSG unlikely to repeat last season’s 38-game long nightmare, he’s going to have a great year. Other candidates: Teddy Richert (Sochaux), Hugo Lloris (Nice), Grégory Coupet (Lyon).

Champion: Lyon
I should say “duh”, but I won’t. Lyon will get their seventh straight title, but it won’t be as easy as the last two times. Gone are many important pillars, but new ones have also arrived. If they really get a run for their money, next year we might see a new king. But for now, it’s still les Gones. Other candidates: Marseille, Lens, PSG.

Second place: Marseille
Some optimistic bloggers are picking them to go all the way this season. And it’s not a completely nutty idea. A recruitment nothing short of brilliant (Ziani, Zenden, Cheyrou, Givet, Mandanda et al) should get OM within ten points of first place. The Champions League will be a big factor to see if they can rival Lyon’s title next year. Other candidates: Lens, PSG, Saint-Étienne.

Third, fourth, fifth places: Lens, PSG, Saint-Étienne
Lens has a really complete team, and are due to get a break in this competition.
PSG has a really improved team, and are due to get a break in this competition.
Saint-Étienne has a really flashy team, and are due to get a break in this competition.

Relegation: Strasbourg, Metz, Valenciennes
Strasbourg have a really weak squad. Expect them to finish at the bottom. Metz are also seemingly unprepared for this season. They had a great time last year, but it won’t last. And Steve Savidan isn’t enough to lift his club beyond 18th place.