Ligue 1 football returns after the first bubbles of the new year

As you may have noticed during the holiday period on your favourite Belgian online betting site, Golden Vegas Sport, football never really stops between Boxing Day in England and Belgium.

While Premier League is still in action for a few more days, the Jupiler Pro League is enjoying a well-deserved short break before heading abroad for a training camp to prepare for the second half of the season.

While Belgian football will not return until 13 January with the Belgian Cup, Ligue 1 is already back, just as the New Year’s champagne has barely been digested. A closer look at the two fixtures of the weekend — Monaco vs Lyon and Paris SG vs Paris FC — as well as a title race more open than ever.

A battle for the podium between Monaco and Lyon

Our blog has followed its twists and turns. Arriving in Monaco at the beginning of October, Sébastien Pocognoli has alternated between the worst and the best on the Rock. The former Red Devil defeated PSG but then suffered a series of disappointing results, notably against Brest despite having a numerical advantage.

On the other side, Lyon have surprised many. Close to administrative relegation to Ligue 2 last summer due to financial problems, the Rhodaniens currently sit fifth in the table. The trip to the Principality could allow them to move closer to the top four.

Whether on our online platform or in our physical venues, Monaco are favourites, but their odds remain attractive (1.95). It would take a brave mind to predict the outcome of what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

*Odds are subject to change. End of the event: 3 January at 5:00 PM

Paris, the closest derby in the world

In football, it is a concept that always excites the crowds: the derby. Often overused, this English term refers to a clash between two teams from the same city. In Paris, such a derby has not taken place for 46 years.

But this weekend, PSG and PFC will put an end to this anomaly. Since Paris FC moved from Charléty to Jean-Bouin, it has become the closest derby in the world, except for clubs sharing the same stadium.

Only 200 metres separate the two stadiums. While the reigning Champions League winners are clear favourites, no one is ever safe from a huge surprise in this type of match.

*Odds are subject to change. End of the event: 4 January at 8:45 PM

PSG, Lens or Marseille for the title?

It is rare enough to be worth highlighting. We still do not know who will become champion, and the title race remains wide open, whereas usually the Parisians have already wrapped things up at this stage of the competition. Will they become champions — just like you could by taking part in our tournaments?

What is certain is that Lens are currently setting the pace. Granted, with only a one-point lead, but the team from the north are holding firm. Could they spring a surprise, just as Napoli did last season in Serie A?

By playing responsibly, dare to take a risk. Because there may well be a major surprise in France this season. And with odds set at 13, backing Lens could represent the most exciting bet of the start of the year.

*Odds are subject to change. End of the event: 2 January at 8:45 PM

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