Matchday 27: What to Watch in Ligue 1 this weekend
The battle at the top of the Ligue 1 McDonald's table continues as Lens look to get back to winning ways and PSG hope to carry on a positive run. Meanwhile, the fight for the European spots is heating up as Marseille host Lille and Monaco travel to Lyon. Find out what's at stake in this weekend's action.
Racing Club de Lens vs SCO Angers
Lens will have to play catch-up and get back to winning ways after suffering defeat to Lorient last weekend (2-1) as Pierre Sage's side look to make up ground in Ligue 1's title race by kicking off this weekend's action against Angers on Friday evening. Les Angevins began the season brightly, but have lost four of their last five outings and are looking to get themselves away from the bottom half of the table.
"We’re feeling a bit bitter because we feel we missed out on a result. The tactical problem we faced in the match against Lorient was very difficult for us to overcome," said Pierre Sage in his pre-match press conference, adding that Lens will be looking to get their own back against SCO at Stade Boelleart Delelis on Friday evening.
OGC Nice vs Paris Saint-Germain
Les Parisiens get back to league action after progressing to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League against Chelsea last week, but with a match behind Luis Enrique's side will be hoping to continue their momentum at the top of the table. The side from the capital travel down to the Côte d'Azur to face a Nice side that clinched a rare victory over Angers last weekend.
Olympique Lyonnais vs Monaco
Les Gones have to move on quickly from their disappointing exit in Europe against Celta Vigo in the week, with a potentially decisive clash against Monaco just on the horizon. Les Monegasques are one of the most in-form sides in Europe at the moment, having won their last five matches on the bounce in the league. If Sébastien Pocognoli's side can win at the Groupama stadium, the gap to OL reduces to just one point in fourth place currently.
Olympique de Marseille vs LOSC Lille
This will be another clash which will be decisive in the race for the Champions League spots, with Lille looking to get over their elimination from the Europa League by Premier League side Aston Villa. Les Dogues could go within touching distance of OM and get closer to the UCL qualifying spots if they can win at the Vélodrome, whilst Habib Beye's men will be hoping to stave off any competition for that third direct qualifying spot for the Champions League next season.
"It is a very important game, we have seen in the last week how quickly things can change. Three weeks ago we were eight points behind Lyon and now we are a point in front," said Marseille captain Pierre–Emile Højbjerg during OM's pre-match press conference.
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