Ligue 1 will feature two thrilling matches on Saturday as Stade de Reims faces LOSC Lille and Clermont Foot takes on Olympique de Marseille. Here's a preview to help you prepare for how these upcoming matches will impact the relegation battle and the race for the European places next season.
Stade de Reims vs. LOSC Lille
Paulo Fonseca and his team will travel to the Stade Auguste-Delaune II, aiming for a bounce-back win after losing 3-1 to Toulouse FC last weekend. Lille have suffered defeats in three of their last four matches across all competitions, signaling a challenging phase in their season for the squad.
Reims are also coming out of a difficult moment in their season, as last weekend's win over Le Havre snapped a four-game winless streak in league play. Les Rouge et Blancs are now aiming for consecutive victories to regain momentum.
With 38 points, Lille are in fifth place and four points above Reims (34 points), so a win against Les Dogues would bring Will Still and his team within reach of a European spot.
A victory for Lille is imperative as they strive to keep pace with OGC Nice, AS Monaco, and Stade Brestois in their collective pursuit of a UEFA Champions League berth.
Clermont Foot vs. Olympique de Marseille
Following two consecutive victories at home under their new manager, Jean-Louis Gasset, OM are now gearing up for an away match at the Stade Gabriel-Montpied. Securing a win against Clermont would propel Les Phocéens back into contention for a place in Europe next season.
The game additionally acts as a last preparation opportunity for Gasset and his squad ahead of the first leg of their UEFA Europa League Round 16 tie against Villarreal on Thursday.
Clermont secured a point last weekend in their scoreless draw against OGC Nice, but they continue to occupy possession of one of the relegation places on just 17 points.
Les Lanciers are trailing FC Lorient by five points, with the latter currently occupying the relegation playoff position. Pascal Gastien and his team must secure victories to, at the very least, steer clear of direct relegation.
