Ligue 1 Preview: PSG and Marseille both fighting for top spot

Paris Saint-Germain’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic wants to recapture his best form for the visit of Nice, as a win could send his side top of Ligue 1.

The Sweden captain was on target for Laurent Blanc’s men in the 3-1 UEFA Champions League victory over Ajax on Tuesday, but has not found the net in league action since August after spending time on the sidelines with a heel problem.

Blanc’s men are one point behind leaders Marseille going into the weekend and are the form side after eight consecutive wins in all competition.

And Ibrahimovic feels the goal against his former club Ajax will help his confidence. 

He told PSG’s official website: “I think the goal is good for the confidence.

“I need to get back to my best form because I haven’t played for two months. I’m not 100% and it shows. I can do better, but I will soon be back to my best.”

Leaders Marseille face a tricky encounter at home to Nantes on Friday knowing that anything less than a win could see them surrender top spot. 

Marcelo Bielsa’s side bounced back from defeat to PSG with an impressive 3-1 win over Bordeaux last Sunday, but they have lost three in their last five games and face a Nantes side unbeaten in 10 games in all competitions. 

A win could put Nantes level on points with third-placed Lyon, who are looking to keep the pressure on the top two when they visit Saint-Etienne. 

Like Nantes, Lyon are in sparkling form, unbeaten in 10, having won five of their last six. The hosts will be tough to crack, having only conceded three goals in their last seven outings. 

Monaco travel to Rennes, while fifth-placed Bordeaux host Lille, whose form has fallen away alarmingly with five defeats in the last seven. 

Bottom club Lens know a win over Metz will lift them off the foot of the table, as the two sides immediately above meet when Evian entertain Guingamp. 

Elsewhere, Caen, Lorient and Bastia could find themselves in the bottom three, so will be hoping for wins over Montpellier, Toulouse and Reims respectively.