Marseille welcome Lyon to Stade Velodrome in an intriguing Ligue 1 clash on Sunday, while league leaders Paris Saint-Germain meet Evian TG.
Didier Deschamps’ Marseille side are unbeaten in 12 matches in all competitions, and booked a place in the Coupe de la Ligue final with a win over Nice on Wednesday.
Coincidentally, they will face Lyon in that final in April, but Sunday’s league clash shapes as vital in the race for a Champions League spot.
Loic Remy (nine goals) will be vital if Marseille are to take Lyon’s fourth spot with a wi, while Bafetimbi Gomis (eight) will play a similarly important role at the other end.
Deschamps believes the clash will be a high-quality affair.
“Lyon are a team like us, who are still involved in four competitions,” he said.
“I watched their (Coupe de la Ligue win over Lorient). They have quality, talent and mental strength. It’ll be a top-level contest on Sunday night.”
Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti’s PSG, three points clear at the top, welcome Evian TG to Parc des Princes.
Midfielder Thiago Motta, who they welcomed from Inter Milan during the January transfer window, could be given his debut in a game PSG will be expected to win and make it five victories from as many competitive matches under Ancelotti’s guidance.
Reigning champions Lille will face similar expectations when they take on struggling Sochaux, who are winless in their last nine outings in all competitions.
Montpellier, second to PSG, welcome Brest to Stade de la Mosson on Saturday as Ligue 1 top-scorer Olivier Giroud looks to add to his 15 goals.
Strugglers Caen and Auxerre meet on Sunday with the latter hoping to move out of the relegation zone.
Bottom side Nice must break a four-match losing run in all competitions if they are to move out of the bottom three with a win at Ajaccio.
In other matches, Stade Rennes visit Nancy on Saturday, while mid-table sides Saint-Etienne and Lorient clash on the same day.
Dijon and Valenciennes, both in the bottom half of the table, do battle on Saturday, while Bordeaux welcome Toulouse to Stade Chaban-Delmas.
