Here are our Ligue 1 picks for Thursday 1 October 2026. Our model likes 6 bets here. The one it likes most is Marseille -0.25 Goal Handicap, priced at -179 when we wrote this. Here is the thinking behind each pick, in plain English.
Odds available at DraftKings at time of publishing
As Troyes welcomes Marseille to Stade de l'Aube, the trends heavily favor the visitors. Troyes has struggled at home lately, managing just one win in their last five, with a dismal average of only 0.8 goals scored per match. Meanwhile, their defense has been porous, conceding an alarming 2.2 goals on average during that span. Marseille's recent form shows a bit of a dip, but their head-to-head record against Troyes is solid, winning three of their last four encounters. Although both teams have underwhelming expected goals (xG) lately, Marseille's ability to create more scoring opportunities—averaging 4.8 shots on target per game—suggests they can break through Troyes' defense. With Troyes also struggling to score at home, betting on Marseille to cover the -0.25 handicap feels like a wise move. It’s a calculated risk that aligns with the data and recent performances.
Barcelona vs Getafe: Under 5.5 Total Goals (-345)
Odds available at FanDuel at time of publishing
As Barcelona faces Getafe, the narrative leans heavily towards a low-scoring affair. Barcelona has been on fire at home, boasting a perfect 5-0 record in their last five matches, averaging a whopping 4.8 goals scored, yet they’ve kept opponents to just 1.4 goals per game. Meanwhile, Getafe’s struggles are glaring—they’ve averaged a mere 0.6 goals over their last five outings, with their away form reflecting a dire 0-1-4 record. Given that Barcelona tends to dominate possession and control the game, it’s plausible they might not need to go all out offensively against a struggling opponent. Add to that Getafe's inability to threaten the scoreboard, and the case for betting on the Under 5.5 total goals becomes compelling. Look for a match that sees Barcelona take the lead without needing to run up the score, making this bet a savvy play.
Bragantino-SP vs Cruzeiro: Cruzeiro Draw No Bet (+143)
Odds available at livescorebet at time of publishing
As we dive into the matchup between Bragantino-SP and Cruzeiro, it’s hard to overlook Cruzeiro’s impressive away form. With three wins in their last five outings, they’ve shown resilience, scoring an average of 1.6 goals per game while only conceding 1.4. Their ability to create chances is evident, generating around 13.8 shots per game and landing 5 on target. Bragantino, while competitive at home, faces a Cruzeiro side that’s brimming with confidence and has outperformed expectations based on their xG stats. The fact that Cruzeiro's expected goals have been solid, despite fluctuating outputs, indicates they are due for a breakout. With a 19.4% edge in our model, backing Cruzeiro in the Draw No Bet market feels like a smart play. They’ve proven capable of navigating tough environments, making this a prime opportunity for them to capitalize on Bragantino’s vulnerabilities.
Napoli vs Frosinone: Frosinone +1.5 Goal Handicap (-149)
Odds available at DraftKings at time of publishing
As Napoli hosts Frosinone, recent form and statistics paint a compelling picture for backing Frosinone with a 1.5 goal handicap. The home side has struggled in their last five at home, managing only a 2-2-1 record, while Frosinone has been impressive, racking up three wins in their last five matches. Notably, they have averaged 1.8 goals per game in this stretch, contrasting sharply with Napoli’s modest 1.4. Frosinone's away performances have been solid, with an impressive goal differential that suggests a knack for keeping games tight. Their defensive organization has limited opponents to just 0.2 goals per game on the road. Meanwhile, Napoli’s recent xG numbers hint at a propensity for underwhelming attacking displays, making it likely Frosinone can keep the deficit manageable, if not pull off an upset. With the stakes high, this could be a perfect opportunity for Frosinone to shine.
Atalanta BC vs Venezia: Atalanta BC -1 Goal Handicap (-105)
Odds available at DraftKings at time of publishing
As Atalanta prepares to host Venezia, the stage is set for a compelling matchup. Atalanta is riding high, scoring an impressive 2.6 goals per game in their last five outings, while Venezia has faltered utterly on the road, failing to secure a single point in their last five trips, and averaging just 0.8 goals. When we dive into the numbers, Venezia’s expected goals (xG) tell a grim story—an astounding zero in their last five, while conceding a staggering 2.2 per game. Atalanta's attacking prowess, combined with Venezia’s defensive vulnerabilities, paints a clear picture. With their recent form and a solid home advantage, backing Atalanta with a -1 handicap seems not just wise but almost necessary. They’re primed to dominate this encounter, making a comfortable victory likely. Expect fireworks from the home side!
Venezia vs Napoli: Napoli -1 Goal Handicap (+120)
Odds available at DraftKings at time of publishing
As Venezia gears up to host Napoli, the statistics paint a telling picture. Venezia has struggled at home, with a dismal record of five straight losses and an average of just 1.2 goals scored while conceding 2.4. Their attack seems almost non-existent, averaging an xG of zero in recent matches, indicating a severe lack of creativity. Meanwhile, Napoli, despite some inconsistency, has shown more promise, especially on the road, averaging 1.6 goals per game and holding opponents to just 0.8. Given Napoli's recent head-to-head dominance, winning three of their last five encounters with Venezia, it’s hard to overlook their ability to cover a -1 handicap. With a solid away performance and Venezia's ongoing struggles, this bet has all the makings of a smart play. Expect Napoli to assert their class and come away with at least a two-goal victory.
That is the model's read on today's Ligue 1 card. Prices move, so check the price at your bookmaker before you back anything. And if a game does not feel right to you, the strongest move is to skip it -- there is another one tomorrow.
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