Saturday's Ligue 1 predictions including Marseille vs. Lille

Lorient vs. Lens (Saturday, 4.00pm)

© Reuters

Last season's Ligue 1 runners-up Lens travel to the Stade du Moustoir to face fellow early-strugglers Lorient on Saturday.

After being one of the biggest overachievers anywhere in Europe last year, it appeared that Lens were crumbling under the weight of expectation, but a recent upturn in form has stabilised their league campaign of late.

We say: Lorient 1-1 Lens

Despite an impressive recent unbeaten run, Lens have drawn their fair share of matches this season - five in 13 - and could be set for another in what could be a rather low-key affair.

Lorient are strong at home and are often tough to beat - a 3-0 defeat here to Montpellier aside - and Le Bris's side could frustrate Lens despite coming into the game as big underdogs.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match

Marseille vs. Lille (Saturday, 8.00pm)

© Reuters

Marseille will host Lille at the Stade Velodrome in Ligue 1 on Saturday less than a week after the ugly scenes which led to the postponement of the Derby des Olympiques.

Gennaro Gattuso's side have not been in action since a Europa League victory over AEK Athens a week-and-a-half ago, as their clash with Lyon was called off shortly before kickoff last weekend.

We say: Marseille 1-1 Lille

Since being stunned by Annecy in the Coupe de France at the start of March, Marseille have lost just one of their 13 home matches since, and they will expect to keep that run going here.

Lille are a team in form though, especially domestically, and after seeing off Monaco last week, they will have the confidence to pick up a result at the Velodrome, despite it typically being an unhappy hunting ground.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match