TF - Ligue 1 TF - Ligue 1 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/index.php Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:44:14 +0000 10 Weekend Preview http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/56750-weekend-preview/ Wednesday, 10th March
Bordeaux 1-2 Auxerre

Saturday, 13th March
Le Mans - Nice
Lorient - Lens
Monaco - Bordeaux
Montpellier - Auxerre
Nancy - Boulogne
Paris SG - Sochaux
Lyon - St Etienne

Sunday, 14th March
Lille - Grenoble
Valenciennes - Rennes
Toulouse - Marseille

This weekend could be an eventful one after last week's dramatic finish. The games last week themselves didn't have too many talking points with Lille, Lyon and Marseille all failing to capitalise on each other's mistakes. However, the true battle was right at the tip of the table with Montpellier grabbing a last minute equaliser in order to earn themselves a point against Bordeaux. Now, there is a lot to play for with only 4 points separating the top 6, despite Bordeaux holding two games in hand over their rivals at the top.

Match Choice - Lyon -vs- St Etienne
There is no love lost between these two sides. The Rhone-Alpes derby always has a terrific atmosphere and the going can get tough for both sides, especially in recent years. This time around, Lyon are looking to catch Bordeaux and Montpellier, who both currently sit just two points ahead of them in the table. Saint Etienne will be looking to win for other reasons. They are currently in a relegation battle, despite being 6 points clear of the drop. History tells them to be careful, as they were dragged right into a relegation mess last season, only managing to escape on the last day. They'll be looking to pull further clear of relegation. All in all, there are dragging rights at stake for these two neighbours so it will definitely be a fiery affair.
]]> Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:44:14 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/56750-weekend-preview/ Weekend Review http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/56553-weekend-review/ Saturday, 6th March
Auxerre 1-0 Valenciennes
Boulogne 0-0 Lyon
Lens 1-1 Paris SG
Nice 2-3 Nancy
Rennes 1-0 Monaco
Sochaux 1-0 Toulouse
St Etienne 1-1 Lille

Sunday, 8th March
Grenoble 1-1 Le Mans
Marseille 1-1 Lorient
Bordeaux 1-0 Montpellier

This could be a big weekend in Ligue 1 for both ends of the table. It may seem like big team -vs- small team at first, but delve deeper into the meanings and there is a lot at stake.

Bordeaux, who now have two games in hand over the chasing pack, could go 3 points clear with still 2 games in hand as they play second-placed Montpellier at home. Montpellier have had a great season, and finishing anywhere in the top 6 would be a big achievement for them but they'll be pushing for all they can get. Third placed Lyon could leapfrog them, but worryingly enough is that Marseille in 4th can also move above them on level points but with a better goal difference.

At the bottom of the table, Saint Etienne will take on a Lille side who had been doing extremely well until just a few weeks ago. Lille can still realistically achieve a European finish this year, but St Etienne are still not safe from relegation. Boulogne, who have done fairly well against some of the bigger sides this year, take on Lyon. They are slipping and it seems that finishing bottom is no longer out of the question following Grenoble's late resurgence at the foot of the table.

Match Choice
Bordeaux -vs- Montpellier
This week's Game of the Week is undoubtedly the clash between Bordeaux and Montpellier. Not only could it see Bordeaux slip to second for the first time since early in the season, it means that a promoted side would be leading the table! Add to this the fact that Bordeaux could seal the title early as they'd still have two games in hand and you have a heated confrontation between these two sides.]]> Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:51:37 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/56553-weekend-review/ Fixtures http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/56374-fixtures/ Saturday, 27th February
Lorient 1-0 Sochaux
Lyon 2-0 Nice
Monaco 1-0 Boulogne
Nancy 0-2 Grenoble
Toulouse 1-0 Lens
Valenciennes 1-0 St Etienne
Montpellier 3-1 Rennes

Sunday, 28th February
Le Mans P-P Bordeaux
Lille 1-2 Auxerre
Paris SG 0-3 Marseille]]> Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:03:57 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/56374-fixtures/ Fixtures http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/56132-fixtures/ Saturday, 20th February
Bordeaux P-P Auxerre
Boulogne 1-3 Le Mans
Grenoble 0-1 Valenciennes
Lens 3-0 Monaco
Nice 1-0 Lorient
St Etienne 1-0 Montpellier
Paris SG 1-0 Toulouse

Sunday, 21st February
Marseille 3-1 Nancy
Sochaux 0-4 Lyon
Rennes 1-2 Lille]]> Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:06:02 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/56132-fixtures/ Fixtures http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55955-fixtures/ Saturday, 13th February
Le Mans 0-0 Sochaux
Lille 3-1 Boulogne
Monaco 1-2 Marseille
Montpellier 1-0 Grenoble
Nancy 0-0 Paris S.G
Valenciennes 2-1 Nice
Lyon 1-0 Lens

Sunday, 14th February
Auxerre 1-0 Rennes
Lorient 1-1 Toulouse
Bordeaux 3-1 Grenoble]]> Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:02:55 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55955-fixtures/ Bordeaux 3-1 St Etienne http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55954-bordeaux-3-1-st-etienne/ FC Girondins de Bordeaux -vs- AS Saint Étienne

Match chat.]]> Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:00:58 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55954-bordeaux-3-1-st-etienne/ Lyon 1-0 Lens http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55953-lyon-1-0-lens/ Olympique Lyonnais -vs- RC Lens

Match chat.]]> Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:59:49 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55953-lyon-1-0-lens/ Monaco 1-2 Marseille http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55952-monaco-1-2-marseille/ AS Monaco -vs- Olympique de Marseille

Match chat.]]> Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:58:59 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55952-monaco-1-2-marseille/ Fixtures http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55771-fixtures/ Saturday, 6th February
Boulogne 0-2 Montpellier
Grenoble 5-0 Auxerre
Lens 2-1 Le Mans
Nice 1-1 Lille
Paris SG 0-3 Lorient
Sochaux 1-1 Nancy
Rennes 4-2 Bordeaux

Sunday, 7th February
St Etienne 3-0 Monaco
Toulouse 0-0 Lyon
Marseille 5-1 Valenciennes]]> Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:57:55 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55771-fixtures/ Marseille 5-1 Valenciennes http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55769-marseille-5-1-valenciennes/ Olympique de Marseille -vs- Valenciennes FC

Match chat.

]]> Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:55:54 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55769-marseille-5-1-valenciennes/ Toulouse 0-0 Lyon http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55768-toulouse-0-0-lyon/ Toulouse FC -vs- Olympique Lyonnais

Match chat.

]]> Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:54:48 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55768-toulouse-0-0-lyon/ Rennes 4-2 Bordeaux http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55767-rennes-4-2-bordeaux/ Stade Rennais -vs- FC Girondins de Bordeaux

Match chat.

]]> Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:53:23 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55767-rennes-4-2-bordeaux/ Paris S.G 0-3 Lorient http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55766-paris-sg-0-3-lorient/ Paris Saint-Germain -vs- FC Lorient

Match chat.]]> Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:52:28 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55766-paris-sg-0-3-lorient/ Fixtures http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55514-fixtures/ Saturday, 30th January 2010
Bordeaux 0-0 Boulogne
Le Mans 1-3 Toulouse
Lille 1-0 Lens
Monaco 3-2 Nice
Nancy 1-0 Lorient
Rennes 4-0 Grenoble
Montpellier 2-0 Marseille

Sunday, 31st January 2010
Auxerre 1-0 St Etienne
Valenciennes 1-1 Sochaux
Lyon 2-1 Paris SG
]]> Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:52:03 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55514-fixtures/ Lyon 2-1 Paris SG http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55513-lyon-2-1-paris-sg/ Olympique Lyonnais -vs- Paris Saint-Germain


Match chat.]]> Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:14:07 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55513-lyon-2-1-paris-sg/ Montpellier 2-0 Marseille http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55512-montpellier-2-0-marseille/ Montpellier-Herault SC -vs- Olympique de Marseille


Match chat.]]> Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:13:04 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55512-montpellier-2-0-marseille/ Bordeaux 0-0 Boulogne http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55511-bordeaux-0-0-boulogne/ FC Girondins de Bordeaux -vs- Boulogne CO


Match chat.]]> Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:11:39 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55511-bordeaux-0-0-boulogne/ Fixtures http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55316-fixtures/ Tuesday, 19th January
St Etienne 0-0 Rennes

Wednesday, 20th January
Grenoble 1-3 Bordeaux
Lens 0-1 Montpellier
Lorient 1-3 Lyon
Marseille 2-1 Le Mans
Nice 0-1 Auxerre
Paris SG 0-1 Monaco
Sochaux 2-1 Lille
Toulouse 0-0 Nancy
Boulogne 0-2 Valenciennes
]]> Mon, 18 Jan 2010 22:00:40 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55316-fixtures/ Paris SG 0-1 Monaco http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55314-paris-sg-0-1-monaco/ Paris Saint-Germain -vs- AS Monaco FC


Match chat.]]> Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:56:23 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55314-paris-sg-0-1-monaco/ Marseille 2-1 Le Mans http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55312-marseille-2-1-le-mans/ Olympique de Marseille -vs- Le Mans UC 72


Match chat.]]> Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:54:36 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55312-marseille-2-1-le-mans/ Lorient 1-3 Lyon http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55310-lorient-1-3-lyon/ FC Lorient -vs- Olympique Lyonnais


Match chat.]]> Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:04:46 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55310-lorient-1-3-lyon/ Grenoble 1-3 Bordeaux http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55309-grenoble-1-3-bordeaux/ Grenoble Foot 38 -vs- FC Girondins de Bordeaux


Match chat.]]> Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:03:53 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55309-grenoble-1-3-bordeaux/ Relegation - My Views http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55268-relegation-my-views/
Beginning with the performances of the sides promoted from Ligue 2 last season who are usually amongst the favourites for the drop, Ligue 2 champions Lens are sitting in mid-table, but could find themselves pulled under. They have put in some decent performances this season which, if they are able to keep up, could see them safe in their return to Ligue 1. Lens went down with a strong side and managed to hold onto some of their better players. Their goal difference could also see them through. When teams in France are on a bad run, they usually go on a really bad run and some of the goal differences at the moment at the bottom are pitiful. I think Lens will be safe when all is said and done.

Moving on to the team who finished second, Montpellier. Montpellier have performed above each and every expectation this season as they sit in and continue to push for European spots rather than looking behind at the relegation battle. Earlier this week, they fell heavily (4-0) against Monaco, a side who they are competing with for a possible European spot. They do, however, manage to put in some good performances after being shaken up by other sides so I don't expect them to go on a bad run for too long. The signing of Emir Spahic in the centre of their defence was an inspired choice. Montpellier will be safe by some margin.

Boulogne managed to be promoted by finishing third in Ligue 2, which few had expected. Most would have placed Strasbourg (1 point behind) or Metz (3 points behind) as favourites for promotion but Boulogne managed to conjure up something special and won promotion as a result. They haven't been as prepared as the other clubs who were promoted and it shows in their league position. They are putting up a fight, but when it comes to relegation I don't think they'll have the power, presence, experience or personnel to be able to resist the drop. At present, they are not the worst team in the league (that being Grenoble) but they are not getting the results on a consistent basis to give any indication they'll be in Ligue 1 for more than this one season. Boulogne will be relegated.

Upsets with regards to cups, league wins and relegations weren't the norm in Ligue 1 until a few seasons ago when things began to get exciting and shaken up. Now, it is very normal to find unexpected teams fighting relegation or pushing for things they weren't expected to at first (see Saint Etienne & Montpellier). This season, like last, we could see some big sides fighting relegation.

Saint Etienne are one such team. Historically, they have won the most titles of any Ligue 1 side and have had a few European runs in their storied past. Of late, they haven't been as good as people think they are. Last season many had expected Saint Etienne to push for the Champions League spots with a squad featuring some eperienced players and some very gifted youngsters. The reality was much different. Manager Alain Perrin couldn't get the attacking players firing and the defence was fairly shambolic. They still have these players (minus Bafetimbi Gomis who departed for rivals Lyon in summer), but they have put a lot of time and money into the attack. Their performances have stuttered with them unable to put together a good run of form on a consistent basis with the odd win here and there the only talking point. What works in their favour is that they have a new manager in charge, one who is inexperienced as a manager in his own right after being assistant to Perrin at several clubs in the past. Saint Etienne will not be safe from the drop.

Le Mans are another side who were with Saint Etienne last season in the relegation battle. There is not much to say about them as they are a lower-mid table side in Ligue 1 who only show signs of being better than this on the odd season here and there. Le Mans will not be safe from the drop.

Two fairly surprising candidates at this stage are Nice and Toulouse. Nice are a mid-table side who are usually safe. They managed to keep Loic Rémy, despite strong interest from Lyon and Marseille in the summer. Nice rejected several approaches for Rémy and managed to sign the impressive Anthony Mounier, who was unhappy with a lack of playing time at Lyon. I personally had expected them to be safe once again, especially at this point in time. Things have been different though and they are looking over their shoulders rather than ahead of them. They have managed to score goals, but their defence hasn't been too impressive and they've conceded plenty as a result. I do, however, think Nice will be safe.

Toulouse last season performed extremely well. André-Pierre Gignac was firing on all cylinders and managed to finish top of the Ligue 1 Top Goalscorers chart by some margin from second-placed Guillaume Hoarau (whose season this campaign has stuttered due to injury concerns). They also managed to finish in the Europa League spots, pushing the much-fancied PSG side out of contention. All hopes of a repeat this season have been quashed with them in the lower half of the table. Gignac, who many expect will leave in the summer months, has not been given the delivery he enjoyed last season and his goals return has suffered as a result. New goalkeeper Yoann Péle, who replaced Cédric Carrasso as he left for Bordeaux, has been decent and is a player who can look to have some good seasons with Toulouse. What works in their favour is their goal difference. Unlike those around them, Toulouse have a positive goal difference (+3). Toulouse will be safe by some margin.

I haven't even given thought to Grenoble staying up. They have been to Ligue 1 this season what Le Havre were last season - the whipping boys; the also-rans; a guaranteed 3 points for their opponents. Grenoble had a hugely respectable season last year after their promotion from Ligue 2, but second-season syndrome seems to have hit the whole side as they have managed only one win and four draws in their 19 games so far...not good enough. Young star Sofiane Feghouli will most definitely be off at the end of the season as a result. Grenoble will be relegated.

In brief, the teams I believe will be relegated are Grenoble, Boulogne and one of either Saint Etienne or Le Mans. This season is becoming just as interesting as last year at both ends of the table which is a good omen for the future of the French game after some monotony!]]> Sat, 16 Jan 2010 13:35:59 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55268-relegation-my-views/ Coupe de la Ligue http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55209-coupe-de-la-ligue/ Tuesday, 12th January
Le Mans P-P Bordeaux
Sedan 1-0 Clermont Foot

Wednesday, 13th January
Guingamp 1-0 Paris SG
Lyon 3-0 Metz
Lens 1-2 Lorient
Lille 3-1 Rennes (after extra time)
Toulouse 3-0 Nancy
St Etienne 2-3 Marseille
]]> Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:33:52 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55209-coupe-de-la-ligue/ Week 20 Fixtures http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55116-week-20-fixtures/ Wednesday, 13th January
Boulogne 0-0 Sochaux
Monaco 4-0 Montpellier

Saturday, 16th January
Auxerre 0-0 Boulogne
Grenoble 1-2 St Etienne
Le Mans 0-3 Lorient
Lille 3-1 Paris SG
Monaco 2-0 Sochaux
Montpellier 1-0 Nice
Nancy 0-2 Lyon
Rennes 1-1 Lens
Valenciennes 1-3 Toulouse

Sunday, 17th January
Bordeaux 1-1 Marseille
]]> Sun, 10 Jan 2010 22:22:08 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55116-week-20-fixtures/ Bordeaux 1-1 Marseille http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55089-bordeaux-1-1-marseille/ FC Girondins de Bordeaux -vs- Olympique de Marseille

Match chat.]]> Sun, 10 Jan 2010 14:52:35 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55089-bordeaux-1-1-marseille/ Nancy 0-2 Lyon http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55088-nancy-0-2-lyon/ AS Nancy-Lorraine -vs- Olympique Lyonnais

Match chat.]]> Sun, 10 Jan 2010 14:51:48 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55088-nancy-0-2-lyon/ Lille 3-1 Paris SG http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55087-lille-3-1-paris-sg/ Lille OSC -vs- Paris Saint-Germain

Match chat.]]> Sun, 10 Jan 2010 14:50:59 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55087-lille-3-1-paris-sg/ Dejan Lovren http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55033-dejan-lovren/ Meanwhile, Spurs are locked in a £7m race with Lyon to sign Dinamo Zagreb defender Dejan Lovren, 20.
Full story: The Sun

According to German media, Bayer Leverkusen are also in the hunt for this guy. So I guess the young man is going to have to choose between the German leaders and the Spuds.]]> Sat, 09 Jan 2010 10:41:46 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55033-dejan-lovren/ Digard makes Nice loan move http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55001-digard-makes-nice-loan-move/ Quote

Middlesbrough midfielder Didier Digard has completed his loan switch to Ligue 1 outfit Nice with a view to a permanent transfer.

The 23-year-old has sealed a six-month loan move to the Stade Municipal du Ray.

The French side also have the option to make Digard's move permanent at the end of the season, believed to be for a fee of €6million.

The Frenchman moved to Teesside in a protracted £4million switch from Paris St Germain under former boss Gareth Southgate in July 2008.

But injuries have limited him to just 34 appearances and Digard, who is currently on the sidelines once again with a back problem, has found himself out of favour under new Boro boss Gordon Strachan, making just three substitute appearances since the Scot's arrival at the Riverside.

Digard becomes Nice's first recruit of the transfer window and he will now train with his new team-mates on Friday as the club look to climb away from danger in the Ligue 1 table.

Source: Sky Sports News


Never adjusted to life in England and had a few injuries as well. I'm sure he'll make the move permanent in the summer as hes not needed at Boro.]]> Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:42:09 +0000 http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/topic/55001-digard-makes-nice-loan-move/