Toulouse vs. Rennes (Sunday, 12.00pm)
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Toulouse will be looking to record back-to-back wins across all competitions when they clash with Rennes at Stadium de Toulouse on Sunday afternoon in Ligue 1.
The hosts had a successful evening in the Coupe de France on Wednesday when they knocked out Reims, whereas Rennes have enjoyed a full week to prepare for their trip to Toulouse.
We say: Toulouse 1-1 Rennes
Toulouse are in a great run of form in 2023 and will not fear facing a Rennes side who have shown weakness in the last couple of weeks.
Les Rennais will be aware of Lille and Lorient chasing them down for a top-five spot this season and this definitely increases the pressure on Genesio's side, although they should be good enough to earn at least a point on Sunday.
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Reims vs. Troyes (Sunday, 2.00pm)
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Reims can stretch their unbeaten run in Ligue 1 to 15 matches when they host Troyes at Stade Auguste-Delaune on Sunday.
On Wednesday, Les Rouges et Blancs exited from the Coupe de France, losing 3-1 at Toulouse, while ESTAC are winless in six successive matches in all competitions, falling 3-1 against Lyon in league play last weekend.
We say: Reims 2-0 Troyes
Given how poor defensively Troyes have looked in recent games, having to contend with an in-form striker like Balogun is probably the last thing they need right now.
Outside of Balogun, Reims have not been particularly sharp in the attacking third, but they look far more comfortable along the backline than ESTAC and should not have much difficulty containing that attacking line.
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Angers vs. Auxerre (Sunday, 2.00pm)
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The battle for survival intensifies in Ligue 1 as bottom side Angers host fellow strugglers Auxerre at Stade Raymond-Kopa on Sunday afternoon in a season-defining clash.
Both sides are marooned at the bottom of the league standings heading into this weekend, desperately needing three points to bridge the gap to safety.
We say: Angers 1-1 Auxerre
A meeting of such importance between the bottom two clubs in Ligue 1 is likely to be a cagey affair, with the first goal absolutely vital in determining the outcome of the match.
The two sides know only a win will help their chances of survival, but the possibility of allowing their nearest relegation rival to gain three points will be unthinkable for both.
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Lille vs. Strasbourg (Sunday, 2.00pm)
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Lille and Strasbourg face off at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Sunday afternoon, with 20 points separating the teams in the Ligue 1 table.
Strasbourg find themselves one point inside the relegation zone, while Lille sit two points shy of the European places, making Sunday's clash pivotal for both sides.
We say: Lille 2-0 Strasbourg
Having scored 21 goals across their 11 home league games this season – securing six wins along the way – Lille should cruise to a comfortable victory over relegation-threatened Strasbourg, who have lost five of their past nine away league outings.
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Montpellier vs. Brest (Sunday, 2.00pm)
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Fellow strugglers Montpellier HSC and Brest are locked on 20 points in the Ligue 1 table ahead of their clash at the Stade de la Mosson on Sunday afternoon.
Montpellier dismissed manager Romain Pitau after less than four months in charge earlier this week, with the club hovering two points above the relegation zone.
We say: Montpellier HSC 0-1 Brest
Although Brest have drawn four of their last five games, they will be confident of dispatching Montpellier, having crushed Angers 4-0 at the end of January.
By contrast, Montpellier have lost six of their previous seven matches across all competitions, so the hosts look set to suffer another defeat at the hands of the resurgent Pirates.
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Nantes vs. Lorient (Sunday, 4.05pm)
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Nantes are back home on Sunday, searching for their first victory in Ligue 1 at Stade de la Beaujoire since New Year's Day when they host Lorient, who have not won a domestic encounter on the road since the start of January.
In midweek, La Maison Jaune squeaked past Angers in round of 16 action in the Coupe de France on penalties, while Les Merlus bowed out of that competition, losing in a penalty shootout versus Lens.
We say: Nantes 0-0 Lorient
With a big European match upcoming, we expect Kombouare will want to give his starters a little playing time but not much so as not to risk an injury.
Therefore, we expect La Maison Jaune to be pragmatic in their approach this weekend and hang back defensively, while containing the Lorient attack should not be a problem for them as Les Merlus have not shown much quality in front of goal lately.
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Lyon vs. Lens (Sunday, 7.45pm)
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Lyon and Lens round off the Ligue 1 weekend when they meet at the Groupama Stadium on Sunday night.
Surprisingly, it is the visitors who are challenging for the Champions League places, at the expense of Lyon, this season.
We say: Lyon 1-1 Lens
Lyon look as though they are turning a corner with Blanc in charge, but they must claim a first league win at home since October sooner rather than later.
Lens have lost all momentum that was carrying them towards a title charge at the start of January and need to ensure they do not allow the sides below them to close the gap even more.
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Barney Corkhill
