Saturday's Ligue 1 predictions including Lille vs. Nantes

Lille vs. Nantes (Saturday, 4.00pm)

© Reuters

Reigning Ligue 1 champions Lille will aim to rise into the top half of the table this weekend as Nantes pay a visit to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

Jocelyn Gourvennec's side overcame Red Bull Salzburg 1-0 in the Champions League in midweek, while the visitors' most recent clash saw them go down 3-1 to Paris Saint-Germain.

We say: Lille 2-1 Nantes

Nantes starting the day above Lille in the table truly represents the champions' alarming fall from grace, but Gourvennec will hope to see his side take inspiration from their positive results in Europe.

Having struggled to make a game of it against PSG with a man advantage, Nantes' poor fortunes on the road are set to continue as Lille - boosted by some key returns - continue their unbeaten streak at home.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

Nice vs. Metz (Saturday, 8.00pm)

© Reuters

Having returned to winning ways in Ligue 1 following the international break, Nice prepare to welcome Metz to the Allianz Riviera on Saturday night.

Christophe Galtier's side sunk newly-promoted Clermont 2-1 in gameweek 14, while the visitors played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with Bordeaux.

We say: Nice 2-0 Metz

Nice were arguably fortunate to walk away from their encounter with Clermont with all three points in the bag, and Galtier cannot expect his side to blow away Metz with ease.

However, the visitors just cannot keep the back door shut and will have a hard time breaking down this Aiglons defence, so we can only back the hosts to post back-to-back wins in routine fashion.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match