Lille vs. Lorient (Sunday, 12.00pm)
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Lille can end a three-match winless run domestically when they host Lorient at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in the first Ligue 1 fixture for both sides in 2024.
Despite losing their final domestic affair last year, 2-1 to Strasbourg, Les Dogues are still holding down the final place in Europe next season, while Les Merlus are in the final relegation position after suffering a 4-0 defeat versus Brest at the end of 2023.
We say: Lille 3-0 Lorient
Their Coupe de France encounter was clearly a mismatch, but Lille now have a thirst for goals and will be seeking retribution versus Les Merlus, who beat them handily earlier this season.
Lorient could be reeling from several poor defensive displays and numerous starters away on international duty, and we expect to see Les Dogues pounce on a side who could barely contain a second-tier club last week.
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Nantes vs. Clermont (Sunday, 2.00pm)
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A pair of sides in relegation danger will return to Ligue 1 action on Sunday as Nantes welcome Clermont to Stade de la Beaujoire.
Les Canaris are six points above the relegation line, losing their final three league fixtures of 2023, while Les Lanciers are bottom of the table, winless in six successive domestic affairs.
We say: Nantes 0-0 Clermont
Both sides are missing integral parts of their respective teams, though neither are all that sharp in the attacking third even with an entire squad available.
Therefore, we expect a relatively dull and cagey affair between two teams in poor form who do not possess much going forward.
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Metz vs. Toulouse (Sunday, 2.00pm)
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Separated by just two places near the bottom of the Ligue 1 standings, Metz will do battle with Toulouse at Stade Saint-Symphorien on Sunday afternoon for crucial points in the relegation dogfight.
The hosts are currently enduring their longest losing run in the French top flight this decade, while Toulouse will be hoping to build on a cup success last time out.
We say: Metz 2-1 Toulouse
Metz have struggled massively in recent matches, but the return of goalscorer Chakvetadze could give them the boost required to earn a rare three points.
Toulouse are without a number of their key players due to injuries and AFCON, meaning we cannot imagine Les Violets getting a result on their travels in this one.
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Brest vs. Montpellier (Sunday, 2.00pm)
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In the return of Ligue 1 following the winter break, Brest welcome Montpellier HSC to the Stade Francis-Le Ble on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts ended 2023 in extraordinary form, rising improbably into the top four, and both sides progressed through the round of 64 in the Coupe de France last week.
We say: Brest 2-1 Montpellier HSC
Brest's form to finish 2023 was phenomenal, and they have an excellent opportunity to pick up where they left off with a home clash here against a Montpellier side who have flattered to deceive this season.
With many players away at AFCON and the Asian Cup too, Montpellier may have a tricky few weeks ahead, and despite the two incredible results on their last two visits here, that trend may end this weekend.
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Le Havre vs. Lyon (Sunday, 4.05pm)
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Both looking to build on positive cup results earlier in the month, Le Havre will welcome strugglers Lyon to Stade Oceane on Sunday evening in Ligue 1.
The hosts were narrow victors over second-tier opposition in the Coupe de France last time out, while Les Gones made easy work of progressing into the next round.
We say: Le Havre 1-2 Lyon
Le Havre have fared well so far on their return to Ligue 1 but could be dragged towards the relegation zone during the second half of the campaign.
Lyon are on a roll after such a dreadful start to the campaign, and we reckon that Sage will celebrate his permanent position as Les Gones manager with three points on Sunday.
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Lens vs. PSG (Sunday, 7.45pm)
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Resuming their quest for the obligatory Ligue 1 title, Paris Saint-Germain head north to take on Lens at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Sunday.
Luis Enrique's side have already marched to Trophee des Champions and Coupe de France successes in 2024, while their hosts are out to avoid a third successive loss in all tournaments.
We say: Lens 1-3 Paris Saint-Germain
The old gang should be back together in terms of Lens' centre-back trio, but with lingering doubts over the fitness of several full-backs, PSG's tricky wide men could have a field day at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
Twelve months on from Lens' memorable success in this fixture, history should not repeat itself for reigning champions PSG, who are the only Ligue 1 team without an away defeat this term and should maintain that unblemished record in style.
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Barney Corkhill
