Matchday 18: What to Watch in Ligue 1 this Weekend?

Ligue 1 McDonald’s returns following the Round of 32 of Coupe de France fixtures last weekend, and there is plenty at stake as PSG host Lille and league leaders Lens host Auxerre. With the title race tightening, European places in flux and the relegation battle simmering, Matchday 18 offers a little bit of everything.

PSG under pressure as Lille come to town

Paris Saint-Germain vs Lille

PSG’s shock Coupe de France exit against Paris FC has shifted the spotlight firmly onto Luis Enrique’s side. A home win would temporarily send them back to the top, but anything less risks compounding rare back-to-back defeats.

Lille, meanwhile, arrive in the capital in poor early-2026 form, yet with the knowledge they drew 1-1 in the reverse fixture earlier this season. If Les Dogues can frustrate PSG early, this could quickly become uncomfortable for the hosts, particularly with Achraf Hakimi absent at AFCON.

What to watch: PSG’s reaction after elimination, and whether Lille can rediscover the balance that had them briefly dreaming of a title push before Christmas.

Can Lens keep their grip on first place?

Lens vs Auxerre

Lens are flying. Nine straight wins in all competitions and seven consecutive league victories at Stade Bollaert-Delelis underline why Pierre Sage’s side sit narrowly above PSG at the summit. Defensive solidity has been the bedrock, with just 13 goals conceded all season.

Auxerre, by contrast, are stuck in the relegation zone and still winless away from home. Their surprise 4-0 victory here last season offers a sliver of hope, but anything other than a Lens win would be a major shock given current form.

What to watch: Whether Lens’ relentless intensity overwhelms an Auxerre side struggling badly for goals.

Angers look to derail Marseille’s title ambitions

Angers vs Marseille

Marseille’s home defeat to Nantes last weekend has dented their title credentials, and another slip would further loosen their grip on the top three. Roberto De Zerbi’s side can score freely, but inconsistency in Ligue 1 continues to haunt them.

Angers have quietly impressed at Stade Raymond Kopa this season, conceding one goal or fewer in most home matches. They have already taken points off Marseille once this season, and will believe another disciplined display could yield a result.

What to watch: Marseille’s away-day mentality, and whether Angers can once again frustrate one of the league’s heavyweights.

Reminder: Lens still reigns at number 1! 👑 pic.twitter.com/7plaZ3T9BI
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) January 15, 2026

Monaco in trouble as Lorient’s revival gathers pace

Monaco vs Lorient

Monaco’s alarming slide has seen them lose six of their last seven league games, and a fourth straight defeat would mark their worst run in years. Injuries and suspensions continue to thin the squad.

Lorient, in contrast, are unbeaten in eight matches in all competitions and climbing away from danger. Having already beaten Monaco earlier this season, Les Merlus have a golden opportunity to complete a league double.

What to watch: Whether Lorient’s confidence and attacking freedom expose Monaco’s fragile defence.

Toulouse vs Nice: survival points on the line

Toulouse vs Nice

This one might lack title glamour, but it carries real weight. Toulouse are solid at home despite conceding heavily there, while Nice remain winless away in Ligue 1 and hovering just above the relegation playoff places.

Claude Puel’s side are edging forward, but another failure to win would keep the pressure firmly on. Toulouse, meanwhile, know a home victory could push them further into mid-table safety.

What to watch: Nice’s continued struggle on the road and whether Toulouse can capitalise despite missing key attacking options.