News
Matchday 34 Preview: A tight race for Europe
No less than six of the nine matches in tomorrow's final round of Ligue 1 McDonald's have big stakes, with both a tight race for the Champions League and a closely contested battle to avoid the drop. Here's our look at each of these key fixtures, all set to kick off at 2100 CET.
Nantes v Montpellier
Les Canaris currently occupy fifteenth place, the first place for automatic survival, and given the goal difference between them and the team immediately below them, Le Havre, they can secure top flight status with a draw. Having been relegated for several rounds, Montpellier are playing only for pride, and may offer little in the way of resistance.
RC Strasbourg v Le Havre
Strasbourg will look to conclude what's been a superb season at home against a Normandy side looking to avoid the drop. Racing can secure Europe with a draw, but will be without the suspended Andrey Santos and leading scorer Emanuel Emegha (knock). Le Havre will need a win and help to avoid the relegation playoff, though, making this among the day's more intriguing fixtures.
OGC Nice v Stade Brestois
With the late-breaking news that Éric Roy has signed a contract extension, the visitors could yet give Les Aiglons a rough go despite not being in the running for Europe themselves. Both sides are missing key players, though, and this match could turn on the smallest detail.
Olympique Lyonnais v SCO Angers
Things have gone downhill quickly for Lyon since their elimination from the Europa League, and while seventh place could still be a European spot, Les Gones may be left sweating the Coupe de France final without a win here. That Angers have secured safety after last week's win over Strasbourg is a boon for the hosts, but it also offered up a reminder that the Bretons can be dangerous on their day despite their bottom-half finish.
LOSC Lille v Stade de Reims
Les Dogues will bid farewell to the iconic pair of Jonathan David and Rémy Cabella in this match but will be focused on a win before anything else. Currently fifth, Lille can seal a top six place with a win, but will be wary of those sides behind them owing to a middling goal difference.
AS Saint-Étienne v Toulouse FC
Finally, Les Verts host Toulouse knowing that only a win will see them avoid the drop, owing to their poor goal difference. Les Violets have nothing riding on this match, but Sainté will be forced to play it without the injured Lucas Stassin, their leading scorer.
Read more:
