Saturday's Ligue 1 predictions including Saint-Etienne vs. Marseille

Nice vs. Rennes (Saturday, 4.00pm)

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Nice will play host to Rennes on Saturday in a key battle at the top end of the Ligue 1 table.

Just two points now separate the sides in third and fourth places, with the visitors having climbed into the top three thanks to a run of five straight victories.

We say: Nice 2-2 Rennes

As two of the league's strongest sides do battle we predict a close and exciting affair.

The international break may have hampered Rennes' growing momentum, while Nice boast plenty of quality and will be desperate to avoid a defeat on home turf, and we opt for a high-scoring draw as a result.

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Lille vs. Bordeaux (Saturday, 6.00pm)

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Two sides in contrasting runs of form at opposite ends of the Ligue 1 table will square off on Saturday, as Lille welcome Bordeaux to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

Upon their return from the international break, the hosts and defending champions will aim to break into the top five, while their visitors find themselves at the foot of the division with nine matches to go.

We say: Lille 2-0 Bordeaux

Upon their return to action, we see Lille being too strong for their visitors at the weekend.

Les Dogues have looked a new team in recent months, and, with their focus set on climbing into the top five, they should not be derailed by a Bordeaux side lacking any momentum or confidence.

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St Etienne vs. Marseille (Saturday, 8.00pm)

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Saint-Etienne will play host to Marseille on Saturday, in a game with major implications at both ends of the Ligue 1 table.

The hosts have climbed into the relegation playoff place thanks to an upturn in form, while their visitors sit second only to Paris Saint-Germain.

We say: Saint-Etienne 1-2 Marseille

Given the major improvement enjoyed by the hosts, we predict an interesting encounter on Saturday and would not be surprised to see Dupraz's men come away with a result.

On the whole, though, we just give Les Olympiens the edge given the impressive quality throughout their squad and back them to return home with a hard-fought win.

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