Rennes vs. Bordeaux (Sunday, 12.00pm)
© Reuters
Bordeaux will head to Roazhon Park this weekend to clash with Rennes as their Ligue 1 campaign continues on Sunday.
Neither side have won a game in 2022, as Les Rennais were shut out 1-0 last Saturday by Lens, while Les Girondins lost by the same score versus Olympique de Marseille.
We say: Rennes 4-0 Bordeaux
It has been a frustrating time for Rennes, who like to attack in numbers and press, so we expect to see them let out those frustrations against a helpless Bordeaux side, who allow far too much time and space in their own penalty area.
Not only have Les Girondins struggled tremendously this season, but the banishment of their now former captain Koscielny is an unwelcomed distraction for a side trying to remain in Ligue 1.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Lorient vs. Angers (Sunday, 2.00pm)
© Reuters
After being a matter of minutes away from pulling off a massive upset in their final match of 2021, Lorient will face Angers in their first game of the New Year this Sunday from Stade du Moustoir in Brittany.
Le FCL are winless in 12 consecutive matches but were able to hold the Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain to a 1-1 draw back in December, while Les Scoistes have lost three of their last four encounters, ending the year with a 4-1 defeat against Montpellier HSC.
We say: Lorient 1-0 Angers
Knowing how poor these teams have played, not to mention the lengthy pause in between their previous matches, it could take a while for each side to get into match form, but Lorient could be due for a win as they played much more inspiring football in their last fixture even if it was not a victory.
Angers seem to struggle against the weaker sides in the French top flight, failing to win four fixtures against teams seeded in 15th place or lower.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Monaco vs. Clermont (Sunday, 2.00pm)
© Reuters
Two teams at opposing ends of the table will compete on Sunday when Monaco host Clermont at Stade Louis II, with each squad hoping to get back to winning ways after drawing their previous outings.
The hosts will be aiming to push into the European positions with a victory, meanwhile, the visitors are hoping to move further away from the relegation zone.
We say: Monaco 2-0 Clermont
Both teams head into this game on the back of a draw, but their form on a wider scale is vastly different, which is reflected in their league positions.
Monaco have the chance to potentially break into European places this weekend, and securing a victory is something they should be capable of doing here.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Reims vs. Metz (Sunday, 2.00pm)
© Reuters
Two teams in the bottom half of the Ligue 1 table will compete this Sunday when 14th-placed Reims host Metz, who currently find themselves in the relegation zone.
The hosts are undefeated in their previous five outings across all competitions, while their opponents are without a win in three.
We say: Reims 1-0 Metz
While a victory could take Metz out of the relegation zone, they come up against a team in fine form as they attempt to do that, making this a difficult fixture.
Reims will be hoping to continue their impressive performances as of late, and while they might struggle for goals as a group, they do not concede many, which should help them earn three points here.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Strasbourg vs. Montpellier (Sunday, 2.00pm)
© Reuters
After being knocked out of the Coupe de France by Montpellier HSC, Strasbourg will have payback on their minds when they host La Paillade on Sunday at Stade de la Meinau.
Le Racing began the second half of their Ligue 1 campaign with a 2-0 win over their biggest rivals Metz, while Montpellier come into this contest having won six consecutive matches in all competitions, with their last victory coming against Strasbourg 1-0 at the beginning of the year.
We say: Strasbourg 2-2 Montpellier HSC
These two teams know how to finish off their opportunities, and they are both very aggressive, so it would not be a surprise to see a few goals scored in this one.
Strasbourg will be without their top two goalscorers, so their depth will be tested, but Montpellier are coming off a lengthy delay, having not played since January 2, and that might favour Les Coureurs early on.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Troyes vs. Lyon (Sunday, 4.05pm)
© Reuters
Fresh from holding Paris Saint-Germain to an impressive draw, Lyon make the journey to Troyes for Sunday afternoon's Ligue 1 battle.
Peter Bosz's side played out a 1-1 stalemate with the runaway leaders last time out, while the hosts' proposed clash with Montpellier HSC was called off due to a coronavirus outbreak.
We say: Troyes 1-3 Lyon
Keeping the back door shut has been a problem for Lyon all season long, but Bosz's side ought to take advantage of this prime opportunity to end their miserable drawing streak.
Troyes' solid home form and Lyon's underwhelming away form will have the home faithful believing that an upset could come to fruition, but a Paqueta-inspired Gones should run out convincing winners.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Marseille vs. Lille (Sunday, 7.45pm)
© Reuters
The reigning champions meet the title outsiders at the Orange Velodrome in Sunday evening's Ligue 1 clash as Marseille play host to Lille.
The hosts' first league fixture of 2022 saw them run out 1-0 winners over Bordeaux, while Les Dogues' battle with Lorient was postponed due to COVID-19.
We say: Marseille 1-1 Lille
Both Marseille and Lille appeared to have turned a corner following their autumnal struggles, but the champions' inability to shut the back door away from home could cost them dear once again.
Gourvennec's side always possess a goal threat of their own with David and Yilmaz partnering up top, though, and we just cannot separate the two improving giants on this occasion.
