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Lyon will be aiming to return to winning ways when they welcome a struggling Brest side for round 24 of Ligue 1 this Sunday.
Les Gones head into this clash on the back of a pulsating defeat to league leaders Paris Saint-Germain last weekend, a result that leaves them sixth in the standings with 36 points, four adrift of the Europa League spot and five behind Lille, who currently occupy the Champions League qualifiers place.
We say: Lyon 2-1 Brest
While Lyon head into this encounter on the back of a defeat, falling to a PSG side that has dominated the league is hardly a cause for concern regarding a dip in form.
The hosts are expected to respond with a win against Brest, given their strong record on their ground in this fixture, though it may not come easily considering the visitors’ recent upturn in away performances.
> Ligue 1 preview: Lyon vs Brest
© Imago
Bottom-placed Montpellier HSC welcome resurgent Rennes to Stade de la Mosson on Sunday for round 24 of Ligue 1, desperate for a turnaround result to revive their fading survival hopes.
La Paillade approach this fixture on the back of a dismal four-match losing streak, leaving them rooted to the foot of the standings with 15 points, a distant seven from safety, while the visitors occupy 13th place with 26 points after a recent upturn in results.
We say: Montpellier HSC 0-2 Rennes
Rennes arrive as clear favourites, buoyed by their resurgence and dominance in this fixture, with their strong form making an away victory the most likely outcome against the struggling hosts.
> Ligue 1 preview: Montpellier vs Rennes
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Auxerre host Strasbourg in Ligue 1 this weekend, hoping to close the gap between the two sides in the standings.
Heading into the weekend’s action, the visitors are seventh in the table, just outside the European qualification places, while Auxerre are six points behind Strasbourg in 11th position.
We say: Auxerre 1-1 Strasbourg
Auxerre have made themselves difficult to beat at home this season, and we think that this trend will continue this weekend.
The hosts have drawn seven times already in the league, and we think that there will be little to separate the two sides on Sunday.
> Ligue 1 preview: Auxerre vs Strasbourg
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As both sides dream of qualifying for European football next season, Angers are set to host Toulouse for a vital Ligue 1 clash at the Stade Raymond Kopa on Sunday.
Le SCO have been in poor form lately and will be looking for three points to lay a foundation for a strong end to the season, while Le Tefece will try to build on their win last weekend.
We say: Angers 0-1 Toulouse
Neither side are in the strongest overall form at the moment, but it is hard to overlook the fact that Angers have been better away than at home this season.
Additionally, Toulouse may have been struggling in recent weeks, but their record on the road has remained commendable, so expect a close-fought win for Le Tefece on Sunday.
> Ligue 1 preview: Angers vs Toulouse
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Marseille host Nantes this weekend at Stade Velodrome, looking to keep their faint title hopes alive in Ligue 1.
The hosts are currently second in the table, 13 points behind runaway leaders Paris Saint-Germain, and they cannot afford any more slip-ups if they are going to catch the defending champions.
We say: Marseille 2-0 Nantes
Nantes are inconsistent, and their recent hammering at Monaco shows what can happen when it does go wrong for them.
We do not expect it to be anywhere near as bad as that was, but this should be a relatively routine win for the hosts here.
> Ligue 1 preview: Marseille vs Nantes
