Matchday 19: Five Things to Watch in Ligue 1 This Weekend

Derbies, momentum swings and mounting pressure on under-fire contenders ensure there is plenty at stake — here are five key storylines to keep an eye on this weekend.

1. Can PSG Trust Their Away Form When It Matters Most?

Paris Saint-Germain travel to Auxerre knowing a single point could be enough to reclaim top spot, at least temporarily. On paper, this looks routine. In reality, PSG’s recent away struggles tell a more complicated story.

Luis Enrique’s side have managed just two wins from their last six away matches in all competitions, with defensive solidity proving elusive on the road. Auxerre, meanwhile, have collected 10 of their 12 league points at Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps, feeding off an intense atmosphere and a physical edge that has already produced five home red cards this season.

If PSG are serious about controlling the title race, this is the type of night they must navigate without drama.

2. Marseille vs Lens: top of the table clash

Saturday night at the Vélodrome pits chaos against control as Marseille host leaders Lens. Marseille remain the league’s great enigma — capable of scoring five one week and looking unrecognisable the next. Lens, by contrast, are relentlessly efficient, boasting six straight league wins and three consecutive clean sheets.

Lens have also won six of their last seven Ligue 1 meetings with OM, including four victories from their last five visits to Marseille. If they extend that dominance again, doubts about their title credentials may finally begin to fade.

Marseille will also have two new players freshly signed and ready ahead of the weekend, as Quintin Timber and Ethan Nwaneri joined the club on Friday afternoon and are both ready to feature for Les Olympiens at the Vélodrome.

Marseille’s newest signing, Quinten Timber 🇳🇱🔵⚪ pic.twitter.com/9klHq8iHIg
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) January 23, 2026

3. Derby Breton Brings Momentum — and Pressure

The Derby Breton between Rennes and Lorient arrives with both sides in form, but with very different objectives. Rennes are quietly assembling a European push, unbeaten in five and eyeing a brutal run of fixtures that includes Monaco, PSG and Lens. Lorient, fresh from a statement win over Monaco, are drifting clear of relegation trouble but still searching for consistency away from home, where goals have been scarce.

With Lorient having won each of the last five meetings, this derby now carries genuine psychological weight for the hosts.

4. Monaco’s Crisis Reaches Breaking Point

Monaco arrive at Le Havre in freefall. Back-to-back heavy defeats, including a 6-1 Champions League humiliation, have left confidence shattered and questions mounting around Sébastien Pocognoli’s project. Four straight league losses threaten to become five — something Monaco have not suffered since 2007.

Le Havre, meanwhile, are quietly stabilising, unbeaten in two and traditionally stubborn at Stade Océane against Monaco. If the hosts sense vulnerability, this could spiral quickly for the visitors.

5. Lille vs Strasbourg: A Test of Direction

At Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille face a Strasbourg side rejuvenated under new management. Lille have lost all four matches in 2026, failing to score in their last two league outings — a sharp contrast to their free-scoring end to 2025. Strasbourg, by comparison, are unbeaten in seven across all competitions and growing in confidence with each passing week.

While history heavily favours Lille at home, momentum does not. Sunday’s result could say a lot about where both clubs are heading as the season enters its decisive phase.