Lorient play host to Toulouse on Sunday afternoon looking for the win that could move them outside of the Ligue 1 relegation zone.
Meanwhile, Toulouse make the trip to Stade du Moustoir searching for the victory that would secure their top-flight status for another 12 months.
Match preview
© Reuters
When Lorient put together a three-match winning streak in February, a relegation battle looked far off, but they now face a battle to avoid the drop to the second tier.
Regis Le Bris's side have since lost five of their last six matches, with the only draw during that time coming via a 2-2 scoreline at Monaco before the March international break.
In fairness to Lorient, the standard of opposition has been high, with their four most recent defeats coming to Brest, Montpellier HSC, Nice and Paris Saint-Germain.
However, they found themselves two goals down to the champions-elect within 22 minutes last time, eventually succumbing to a 4-1 defeat at their home ground.
Lorient have now lost four successive matches at Stade du Moustoir, collecting just 13 points from their 15 games on home territory.
As for Toulouse, they have been putting together some of their best form of the season, to all but ensure they will not be relegated this season.
Eight points have been collected from a possible 12, with the wins in question both coming away from home against Clermont Foot and Rennes respectively.
Draws have been posted against Strasbourg and Marseille, helping Carles Martinez Novell's move nine points above the relegation zone with four matches remaining.
A top-10 finish is now not out of the question, although Les Violets still have to play PSG and Brest before the end of the season.
Team News
© Reuters
Mohamed Bamba should be restored to the Lorient XI after scoring his side's consolation goal against PSG.
Benjamin Mendy supplied the assist for that strike, and the pair may take the places of Darlin Yongwa and Eli Kroupi.
Laurent Abergel made his return from injury last time and the midfielder is in contention to replace Imran Louza in midfield.
Novell may make fewer alterations to his Toulouse side after they secured a share of the spoils against Marseille last time out.
Barring any late fitness issues, Novell should have a fully-fit squad to select from, with Shavy Babicka the most likely to return in the final third if an alteration is made.
Lorient possible starting lineup:
Mvogo; Adjei, Laporte, Toure; Kalulu, Abergel, Bakayoko, Mendy; Kari, Ponceau; Bamba
Toulouse possible starting lineup:
Restes; Costa, Nicolaisen, Diarra; Kamanzi, Spierings, Sierro, Suazo; Aboukhlal, Gboho; Dallinga
We say: Lorient 1-2 Toulouse
Although Lorient may benefit from having home advantage on Sunday, we cannot ignore that Toulouse are currently one of the form teams in the division. We feel that will continue on Sunday with the visitors battling their way to another maximum points.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
