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Matchday 31: 5 things to watch in Ligue 1 McDonald's this weekend

As Matchday 31 arrives, we have arrived at 'crunch time' in Ligue 1 McDonald's. There are several matches this weekend that will have huge ramifications at the top and the bottom of the table. We look at some of the most important narratives heading into the gameweek.
L. ENTWISTLE
Published on 04/24/2026 at 10:00
4-minute read
Aubameyang in action during Marseille's win over Nice earlier this season

As Matchday 31 arrives, we have arrived at 'crunch time' in Ligue 1 McDonald's. There are several matches this weekend that will have huge ramifications at the top and the bottom of the table. We look at some of the most important narratives heading into the gameweek.

A seismic Breton Derby

Nantes versus Rennes is always a big moment in any Ligue 1 McDonald's season, with both clubs vying for regional supremacy. This Breton Derby is bigger than most, with both clubs fighting to reach their end-of-season goals. Franck Haise's side are looking to climb further up the table. Currently in fifth and in the mix for European football, they are just one point off the podium, which would ensure automatic qualification for next season's Champions League.

Nantes are simply fighting for survival. That fight is becoming increasingly desperate, with just four games left to secure it. Vahid Halilhodzic's side remain in the relegation zone. They are sliding towards Ligue 2 BKT but a win over Rennes would have an even sweeter taste than usual.

Nice in search of revenge

Nice were humbled on their own turf by fierce rivals Marseille earlier this season. Back in November, OM took all three points away from the Allianz Riviera, netting five goals in the process.

Claude Puel's side will look to make amends at the Vélodrome on Sunday, not only to exact their revenge but also to further their ambitions of remaining in Ligue 1 McDonald's for next season. They are just four points ahead of Auxerre, who occupy the relegation play-off spot, as things stand. OM go into this one with their own objectives, too, as they look to get back onto the podium after last week's loss to Lorient saw them slip to sixth.

Now or never for Metz

Metz have officially arrived in last-chance saloon. Currently rock-bottom and 10 points back from Auxerre, who occupy the relegation play-off spot, they need at least a point from their visit to Le Havre on Sunday in order to have a mathematical chance of avoiding immediate relegation. They have already waved goodbye to their chances of exiting the relegation places entirely.

Even a draw would likely not be enough. They have a -25 goal difference compared to Auxerre, who, by securing any points against Lyon, would also consign Les Grénats to life back in Ligue 2 BKT next season.

Paris FC look to continue Kombouaré bounce

Paris FC continue to excel under Antoine Kombouaré. Since the arrival of the former Nantes and PSG manager, Les Parisiens are unbeaten. Since his first match in charge, a slender win over Nice on 1st March, PFC have won four and drawn three games. Those wins have come over Le Gym, Le Havre, Monaco and Metz.

If Paris FC and Kombouaré are to continue this rich vein of form, which has lifted them from the relegation battle to 10th, they must get a result against Lille this weekend. It is a difficult task, but as they showed against Les Monégasques, it is far from impossible.

in-form Balogun looks to extend hot streak

By scoring from the spot in the 2-2 draw against Auxerre last Sunday, Folarin Balogun became just the fifth player in Ligue 1 McDonald's in the 21st century to score in eight consecutive league games. He has scored a goal per game during this run. 

He follows in the footsteps of the likes of Rony Lopes, Moussa Dembélé, Shabani Nonda, and Sonny Anderson. Two of those players (Lopes and Nonda) also pulled off the feat with the Principality club. Anderson also played for Les Monégasques but his run came while he was at Lyon. Anderson went on a 10-game scoring run. Against Toulouse this weekend, Balogun will look to go one step closer to reaching - or even beating - that record.

READ MORE

>> Coupe de France: Lens hammer Toulouse in semi-final

>> Ligue 2 Review: Bastia stun Sainté to boost survival hopes

>> How Strasbourg are boosting Ligue 1's UEFA coefficient


 

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