© Iconsport
Still scratching their heads as to how they lost in Europe in midweek, Paris Saint-Germain have parity to restore in Saturday’s Ligue 1 showdown with Rennes at Roazhon Park.
Les Parisiens were somehow condemned to a 1-0 Champions League last-16 first-leg loss to Liverpool on Wednesday, while Rennes’ last outing ended in a 4-0 thrashing of Montpellier HSC.
We say: Rennes 0-2 Paris Saint-Germain
Rennes’ applaudable home record against the champions and mean defensive streak since Beye took over means that Saturday’s tie should not be a foregone conclusion, but PSG still have our backing to right their midweek wrongs.
Enrique’s talented attackers will no doubt break through the Rennes defence eventually, and once they do, gaps should open up for the holders to increase their advantage en route to a routine win.
> Ligue 1 preview: Rennes vs PSG
© Imago
Lille will seek to return to Ligue 1’s top four when they welcome bottom-of-the-table Montpellier HSC to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Saturday.
This fixture comes between Lille’s two-legged Champions League last-16 tie against Borussia Dortmund, but returning to that competition next season is just as important at present.
We say: Lille 3-0 Montpellier
Even though Lille have a huge match here at the Mauroy on Wednesday, Genesio must ensure his players are focused on this very winnable fixture, which will be important in the race for the top four.
Montpellier have failed to score in eight of their 11 away league matches this season – more than the last two seasons combined – and there is little to suggest they will change that here, following five straight defeats.
> Ligue 1 preview: Lille vs Montpellier
© Imago
Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille welcome out-of-form Lens to the Stade Velodrome in Ligue 1’s standout game on Saturday.
The hosts look set to return to the Champions League after a year away, while Lens could miss out on European qualification altogether after a dismal recent run.
We say: Marseille 3-0 Lens
Marseille have done well to correct their worrying home form that was threatening to derail their season around the midway point, and they will now expect to push on and claim a top-three finish.
Lens only lost one of their first 10 away games this season – winning five – but they have now fallen to defeat in successive matches on the road, and after losing again to relegation fodder last weekend, there is little down for the visitors here.
> Ligue 1 preview: Marseille vs Lens
