Hello again! Hope your still enjoying my Ligue 1 previews! Not long until we move onto another league, not sure which one yet. Teams 13-16 now, this time there'll be big spend Paris Saint-Germain, newly promoted Stade de Remis and Saint Étienne and Stade Rennais. So let's get stuck straight into it with PSG.
Paris Saint-Germain
Last season: 2nd
Star man: Zaltan Ibrahimovic and Jérémy Menez
Unsung hero: Mamadou Sakho
Prediction for this season: Europa League, controversial but I'll explain.
'Les Parisens' have had the worst start to the season they could have hoped for after spending so much this Summer, they have quality in abundance, but lack in the most crucial thing in my opinion, team-spirit. Without this vital ingredient, the croissant with even the freshest and most delicious ingredients is spoilt, like forgetting the butter for example. Anyway before I give you anymore of my cookery tips, I'll keep going with the predictions. They have all the flair a team could want with Nene, 'Ibra' and Menez capable of turning the game with the click of their fingers, just look at Zlatan's first goal in pre-season. Whereas Mamadou Sakho has survived the mass exodus and in my opinion is one of the best young centre backs in the world, accomplished, calm and steady as stone he is fast making a name for himself.
Stade de Remis
Last season: Promoted (2nd Ligue 2)
Star man: Antoine Devaux
Unsung hero: Kemal Ghilas
Prediction for this season: Fighting relegation.
Impressive last year in Ligue 2, but I think they are lacking the cutting edge any team coming up or that failed to strengthen that struggled last year. Despite having a fantastic all-round midfielder such as Antoine Devaux who holds the team together with his fanatastic, jack of all trades style. While upfront they have the creativity of Kemal Ghilas the impressive Algerian will be hoping to make his mark on the big stage of French football, although it will be very difficult because of their lack of quality in other areas.
Stade Rennais
Last season: 6th
Star man: Yann M'Vila, should he still be there come Sunday.
Unsung hero: Jonathan Pitroipa
Prediction for this season: Europa League places.
Rennais had two of the most difficult games to start their campaign playing both Bordeaux and Lyon, they were unlucky not to have gotten a point in both games, showing excellent character and ability. They got their first win against a Bastia side giving a great account of themselves, through a Yann M'Vila goal in the last 5 minutes. If 'les Rouges et Noirs' can hold onto M'Vila which could happen as Arsenal's interest seems to have died down and Tottenham head South to try and capture Loic Remy, they may just keep him. His presence along with Pitroipa and Erding in the attacking third of the pitch, Rennes could be a surprise package this year, definitely winning a few games you would imagine they couldn't.
Saint Étienne
Last season: 7th
Star man: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Unsung hero: Romain Hamouma
Prediction for this season: Europa League Places.
Étienne like Rennes have had a tough start to the year, one win and two defeats against the impressive Lille and Toulouse are nothing to be ashamed of, they then got their season up and running with an accomplished four-nil win over Brestois. Young Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has continued his form from the African Cup of Nations and last season into this year and looks impressive yet again. While diminutive midfielder Romain Hamouma has got off to a flyer this year, scoring twice and setting one goal up, the twenty-five year old has made a name for himself this year and 'les Verts' will be hoping it continues long into the season.
So guys and girls I hope you have enjoyed the penultimate installment of the Ligue 1 part of this series, I'd imagine I'll move onto the Bundesliga next, but I'll confirm that with you next time.
Thanks again for the continued support, almost 2,000 views in 3 months and one of those I didn't post in is crazy, I can't thank you all enough.
Jonathan.
Follow me on Twitter: @JWalsh97
No comments:
Post a Comment