Ligue 1 2012-13

[culloty82]

Not the highest-quality of European leagues, it must be admitted, but certainly one of the most even, and largely due to PSG buying up half of Serie A, it's now on our TV screens, starting on Friday night. The Parc des Princes side undoubtedly start as favourites, with last season's names such as Nene, Pastore and Sirigu joined by Ibrahimovic, Lavezzi, Thiago Silva and probably Lucas Moura, but never discount the Parisians' unique ability to bungle even the most promising of scenarios. Though Montpellier are the defending champions, Giroud's move to the Emirates must surely weaken their challenge, and instead, Lille are the mostly likely title contenders, having invested Hazard's fee in Kalou and Sochaux's scoring sensation, Marvin Martin. Lyon and Marseille are both in the process of rebuilding, so will probably be fighting for third, at best, while as for relegation candidates, Sochaux, Troyes and Ajaccio appear to have the weakest squads, along with Valenciennes and Brest. And it's a welcome return for Reims, the two-time European Cup finalists back in Ligue 1 after a 21-year absence.

[TheBoss]

It was good entertainment last season, remember watching on the last day of the season seeing that the team in 11th or 12th place could still get relegated, quite incredible and with also, league title and European places were up for grabs aswell, it some day last day. I think the relegation will be similar to last season, it is pretty hard to know now but there is not a lot between most the teams. I'd say PSG will cruise to the title and Montpelier will likely come in the bottom half of the table after their freak win last season. Great to see that ESPN are covering the league this season.

[culloty82]

We got a lively opener at any rate, two goals and three sendings-off (would they've only been yellows with a Premier League referee?). Wouldn't quite be so pessimistic about Montpellier collapsing that much, they look fairly solid defensively and in midfield, so they could still finish in the top six. Will be interesting to watch PSG tonight, to see how quickly the galacticos try to gel together.

[Poor Student]

but never discount the Parisians' unique ability to bungle even the most promising of scenarios.

Good call, culloty! I saw highlights of their 2-2 draw. They looked sublime going forward and Ibrahimovic appeared to play very well but they squandered a lot of chances, were fortunate to get that late equaliser.

[Raheen]

Good call, culloty! I saw highlights of their 2-2 draw. They looked sublime going forward and Ibrahimovic appeared to play very well but they squandered a lot of chances, were fortunate to get that late equaliser.

Starting to build up a head of steam. Great season so far not least because PSG is starting to find it's rythm.