Paris Saint-Germain go into their clash with AS Monaco on Sunday knowing that an away win could put both a physical and psychological dent into Claudio Ranieri's and his side's title ambitions.
The clash of Ligue 1's two big-spending clubs could prove pivotal in the outcome of the championship this season, with PSG currently leading second-placed Monaco by five points.
The table-topping visitors have found it a little tougher going in recent months, but have ridden out a number of surprising results to amass an impressive lead over Monaco.
PSG's Coupe de la Ligue victory in the week could prove the spark that sees them return to impressive form, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic turning in a standout performance against Nantes to guide the Parisians into the final.
Monaco won't be too disheartened though, as they know that Laurent Blanc's men haven't been infallible this campaign, following poor results against Guingamp and HSC Montpellier last month.
The hosts on Sunday will also be buoyed by the news that influential striker Edinson Cavani is likely to be missing for PSG following a thigh injury.
However, Monaco also have a few problems of their own, which include injuries to key man Radamel Falcao and a worrying dip in their impressive form, which saw them draw 2-2 with Lorient in their last Ligue 1 fixture.
The second-placed side have, however, been the more impressive of the two sides in the form table, with Monaco notching up victories in all three of their previous games before their away draw last weekend.
The home side's league form is a little less impressive after two draws and a loss in their last six Ligue 1 fixtures, while PSG have managed to put together four wins and two draws in their pursuit of the domestic championship crown.
Both sides also have the opportunity to add some vitality into their lineups midway through the season following the recent additions of Dimitar Berbatov and Yohan Cabaye, who joined Monaco and PSG respectively in the January transfer window.
Recent form
AS Monaco: WLDWWD
Paris Saint-Germain: WDWWDW
Possible starting lineups
AS Monaco: Subasic; Fabinho, Kurzawa, Abidal, Raggi; Moutinho, Rodriquez, Obaddi, Kondogbia; Berbatov, Riviere
Paris Saint-Germain: Sirigu; Silva, Alex, Maxwell, Van der Wiel; Motta, Matuidi, Pastore, Cabaye, Lucas; Ibrahimovic
Sports Mole says: 1-2
Christopher Dodd
