Sunday’s Ligue 1 programme features leaders Lens hosting Nice, Lyon looking to bounce back against Le Havre, and a blockbuster clash between Marseille and Monaco to close the weekend.
A packed Sunday of Ligue 1 action
The final day of matchday 16 delivers five fixtures that will determine the league’s landscape heading into the winter break. From Lyon’s early kick-off to the highly anticipated Marseille versus Monaco clash, Sunday promises compelling drama across the division.
Lyon vs Le Havre: Gones seeking swift response
The Groupama Stadium hosts the early kick-off as Lyon welcome Le Havre (15:00, Ligue 1+). The hosts desperately need three points following a disappointing defeat at Lorient last weekend.
Lyon occupy fifth place with 24 points, their European ambitions slightly derailed by inconsistent form. The 1-0 loss at Lorient raised concerns about Pierre Sage’s side, who have now won just one of their last three league matches. Their home record remains strong, however, and the Groupama Stadium faithful will demand a response.
Le Havre sit 15th with 15 points, their survival battle becoming increasingly concerning. The Ciel et Marine have scored just 13 goals this season, the second-worst attacking record in the division. Last weekend’s goalless draw against Paris FC extended their winless run, though their defensive resilience offers some encouragement. Didier Digard knows his side face an uphill task against superior opponents.
Lyon should have too much quality for their visitors, though Le Havre’s defensive organisation may frustrate them initially. Expect the hosts to eventually break down their opponents and secure a comfortable victory.
The multiplex: three matches, three storylines
The 17:15 multiplex brings together three fixtures with vastly different stakes. Leaders Lens host Nice, Auxerre welcome Lille, and Strasbourg face Lorient.
At Bollaert-Delelis, league leaders Lens will look to extend their advantage at the summit when they host Nice. The Sang et Or sit top with 34 points, their remarkable campaign defying pre-season expectations. Florian Thauvin has been instrumental since his summer arrival, while Wesley Saïd leads the scoring charts with six goals. Their home form has been exceptional, and the Bollaert faithful will create a hostile atmosphere.
Nice arrive in 12th place with just 17 points, their season having failed to meet expectations. The Aiglons have lost eight matches already, including last weekend’s shock home defeat to Angers. Their away record offers little encouragement, and facing the division’s best home side represents a significant challenge. Lens should extend their lead at the top.
At the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps, struggling Auxerre host fourth-placed Lille. The Burgundians occupy 16th with just 12 points, their survival hopes increasingly precarious. Lille, by contrast, have been excellent, sitting fourth with 29 points following last weekend’s victory over Marseille. Olivier Giroud’s return to French football has reinvigorated Bruno Genesio’s attack, and the visitors should secure all three points.
Strasbourg versus Lorient completes the multiplex. Both sides find themselves in mid-table, with Strasbourg eighth on 22 points and Lorient 13th on 17. The Alsatians have shown flashes of quality, while the newly promoted Lorient have exceeded expectations following their Ligue 2 title. This fixture could produce goals.
Marseille vs Monaco: the blockbuster finale
The Orange Vélodrome provides the setting for Sunday’s showpiece as Marseille host Monaco (20:45, Ligue 1+). This clash between two of French football’s historic powerhouses will shape the European race.
Marseille sit third with 29 points, their attacking prowess evident in their 35 goals scored, the division’s best. However, Roberto De Zerbi faces a selection headache with several key players unavailable. Amine Gouiri remains sidelined with a shoulder injury, while Facundo Medina and Hamed Traoré are also out. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg could return after illness, providing a timely boost.
Mason Greenwood continues to deliver exceptional numbers, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remains a consistent goal threat. The Vélodrome atmosphere should provide considerable home advantage, though the hosts will need to overcome their injury concerns.
Monaco occupy seventh place with 23 points, their inconsistent form having undermined their title aspirations. Sébastien Pocognoli’s side lost 1-0 at Brest last weekend, their sixth defeat of the campaign. The defensive struggles continue, with 26 goals conceded. Eric Dier could return from a calf injury, while George Ilenikhena and Christian Mawissa are also progressing. Ansu Fati remains doubtful.
Despite Monaco’s struggles, they possess the attacking quality to trouble Marseille. Takumi Minamino and Maghnes Akliouche can create havoc in transitions, while Denis Zakaria anchors the midfield. This match should produce goals at both ends, with Marseille’s home advantage likely to prove decisive.
Sunday fixtures at a glance
Lyon vs Le Havre, 15:00 (Ligue 1+). Auxerre vs Lille, 17:15 (Ligue 1+). Lens vs Nice, 17:15 (Ligue 1+). Strasbourg vs Lorient, 17:15 (Ligue 1+). Marseille vs Monaco, 20:45 (Ligue 1+).
Sunday’s Ligue 1 programme features leaders Lens hosting Nice, Lyon looking to bounce back against Le Havre, and a blockbuster clash between Marseille and Monaco to close the weekend.
A packed Sunday of Ligue 1 action
The final day of matchday 16 delivers five fixtures that will determine the league’s landscape heading into the winter break. From Lyon’s early kick-off to the highly anticipated Marseille versus Monaco clash, Sunday promises compelling drama across the division.
Lyon vs Le Havre: Gones seeking swift response
The Groupama Stadium hosts the early kick-off as Lyon welcome Le Havre (15:00, Ligue 1+). The hosts desperately need three points following a disappointing defeat at Lorient last weekend.
Lyon occupy fifth place with 24 points, their European ambitions slightly derailed by inconsistent form. The 1-0 loss at Lorient raised concerns about Pierre Sage’s side, who have now won just one of their last three league matches. Their home record remains strong, however, and the Groupama Stadium faithful will demand a response.
Le Havre sit 15th with 15 points, their survival battle becoming increasingly concerning. The Ciel et Marine have scored just 13 goals this season, the second-worst attacking record in the division. Last weekend’s goalless draw against Paris FC extended their winless run, though their defensive resilience offers some encouragement. Didier Digard knows his side face an uphill task against superior opponents.
Lyon should have too much quality for their visitors, though Le Havre’s defensive organisation may frustrate them initially. Expect the hosts to eventually break down their opponents and secure a comfortable victory.
The multiplex: three matches, three storylines
The 17:15 multiplex brings together three fixtures with vastly different stakes. Leaders Lens host Nice, Auxerre welcome Lille, and Strasbourg face Lorient.
At Bollaert-Delelis, league leaders Lens will look to extend their advantage at the summit when they host Nice. The Sang et Or sit top with 34 points, their remarkable campaign defying pre-season expectations. Florian Thauvin has been instrumental since his summer arrival, while Wesley Saïd leads the scoring charts with six goals. Their home form has been exceptional, and the Bollaert faithful will create a hostile atmosphere.
Nice arrive in 12th place with just 17 points, their season having failed to meet expectations. The Aiglons have lost eight matches already, including last weekend’s shock home defeat to Angers. Their away record offers little encouragement, and facing the division’s best home side represents a significant challenge. Lens should extend their lead at the top.
At the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps, struggling Auxerre host fourth-placed Lille. The Burgundians occupy 16th with just 12 points, their survival hopes increasingly precarious. Lille, by contrast, have been excellent, sitting fourth with 29 points following last weekend’s victory over Marseille. Olivier Giroud’s return to French football has reinvigorated Bruno Genesio’s attack, and the visitors should secure all three points.
Strasbourg versus Lorient completes the multiplex. Both sides find themselves in mid-table, with Strasbourg eighth on 22 points and Lorient 13th on 17. The Alsatians have shown flashes of quality, while the newly promoted Lorient have exceeded expectations following their Ligue 2 title. This fixture could produce goals.
Marseille vs Monaco: the blockbuster finale
The Orange Vélodrome provides the setting for Sunday’s showpiece as Marseille host Monaco (20:45, Ligue 1+). This clash between two of French football’s historic powerhouses will shape the European race.
Marseille sit third with 29 points, their attacking prowess evident in their 35 goals scored, the division’s best. However, Roberto De Zerbi faces a selection headache with several key players unavailable. Amine Gouiri remains sidelined with a shoulder injury, while Facundo Medina and Hamed Traoré are also out. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg could return after illness, providing a timely boost.
Mason Greenwood continues to deliver exceptional numbers, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remains a consistent goal threat. The Vélodrome atmosphere should provide considerable home advantage, though the hosts will need to overcome their injury concerns.
Monaco occupy seventh place with 23 points, their inconsistent form having undermined their title aspirations. Sébastien Pocognoli’s side lost 1-0 at Brest last weekend, their sixth defeat of the campaign. The defensive struggles continue, with 26 goals conceded. Eric Dier could return from a calf injury, while George Ilenikhena and Christian Mawissa are also progressing. Ansu Fati remains doubtful.
Despite Monaco’s struggles, they possess the attacking quality to trouble Marseille. Takumi Minamino and Maghnes Akliouche can create havoc in transitions, while Denis Zakaria anchors the midfield. This match should produce goals at both ends, with Marseille’s home advantage likely to prove decisive.
Sunday fixtures at a glance
Lyon vs Le Havre, 15:00 (Ligue 1+). Auxerre vs Lille, 17:15 (Ligue 1+). Lens vs Nice, 17:15 (Ligue 1+). Strasbourg vs Lorient, 17:15 (Ligue 1+). Marseille vs Monaco, 20:45 (Ligue 1+).
