Five things to watch in Ligue 1 McDonald's this weekend

Ligue 1 McDonald's returns following the conclusion of the international break, with several high-profile fixtures which could be key going into a busy period of the season. OGC Nice host Marseille to kick off the weekend's action, whilst Lens host chasers Strasbourg and Paul Pogba looks likely to make his debut for Monaco against Rennes.

OGC Nice vs Marseille

Roberto De Zerbi's Marseille made the short trip over to OGC Nice in a South coast derby to open up the weekend's action. Les Phocéens are hoping to keep pushing at the top of the table before facing Newcastle midweek in the Champions League. Despite a few injuries before the break, several players will be returning for the away side.

“We’ve worked well, we’ve got a few players back even though we’ve lost some too. Vermeeren has been with us since Monday, Aubameyang has only played one match and arrived earlier,” said OM boss Roberto De Zerbi during his press conference. "Balerdi is coming back, as is Kondogbia. Medina is still injured and Murillo picked up an injury while on international duty. Aguerd is a big loss. But we have to pick up points and play well even with these injuries.”

Nice will be hoping to get back to winning ways after losing to Metz just before the international break. Franck Haise's men began November strongly, but have lost their last two outings in the league this season. Le Gym have, however,  emerged victorious from their previous two home matches against OM, failing to concede a single goal in either of those outings.

Racing Club de Lens vs Strasbourg

Both Lens and Strasbourg have played some of the most exciting football since the start of the Ligue 1 McDonald's season - and both of this season's dark horses will face off on Saturday. Pierre Sage's side are only three points off the top of the league, with a win potentially getting themselves on top depending on results elsewhere. 

PSG vs Le Havre 

Paris Saint-Germain get back to action against Le Havre following the conclusion of the international break , hoping to set the pace in the race at the top of the Ligue 1 McDonald's table.