Ligue 1 Matchday 21 Preview: Key Battles Across France

This weekend in Ligue 1 brings high-stakes encounters from top to bottom of the table, with title chasers, European hopefuls and relegation-battling sides all in action.

‎From Lens’s push for top spot to PSG’s clash with Marseille in Le Classique, here’s a detailed look at every major matchup.

A Shot at First Place for Lens

‎For the second consecutive week, Lens have a chance to temporarily reclaim top spot in Ligue 1 when they welcome Rennes to Stade Bollaert-Delelis.

‎Les Sang et Or bounced back quickly after their defeat to Marseille, securing a disciplined 1-0 win over Le Havre last weekend. Their defensive form has been exceptional, with four clean sheets in their last five matches and a 10-game home winning streak across all competitions.

‎Another win would mark their first time starting a calendar year with three straight league victories since returning to Ligue 1 in 2020–21. Lens also remains unbeaten in 11 league meetings against Rennes.

‎Rennes, meanwhile, is in a slump. They were thrashed 4-0 by Monaco last weekend and have lost three consecutive games in all competitions.

‎Defensive frailties away from home continue to cost them, with nine goals conceded in their last three league away matches. A defeat here would give them their first run of three straight domestic losses since early 2025.

‎Prediction: Lens 2–0 Rennes

‎Brittany Derby Returns

‎A fresh chapter of the Brittany derby unfolds as Brest hosts Lorient at Stade Francis-Le Blé. Brest’s excellent finish to 2025 has faded in recent weeks, with only one win in their last four league games.

‎Their biggest issue has been closing out matches dropping 10 points from winning positions this season.

‎They face a Lorient side enjoying one of the league’s most surprising revivals. Unbeaten in 12 competitive fixtures and into the Coupe de France quarter-finals, Lorient looks completely transformed from the relegation-threatened side of early autumn.

‎They have won four straight away matches and could extend their unbeaten league run to 10 games.

‎Prediction: Brest 1–2 Lorient

‎Nantes vs Lyon

‎Nantes continue to slide down the table and enter this weekend in 16th place after a 2-1 defeat to Lorient. Since January’s victory over Marseille, they have lost four straight matches and remain without a home win since August.

‎Narrow defeats have been their theme half their league losses have been by a single goal.

‎Lyon, meanwhile, is in sparkling form. They have won five straight Ligue 1 matches and 11 consecutive games in all competitions, putting themselves back in contention for third place. Their attack has come alive away from home, scoring eight goals in their last two road league fixtures.

‎With numerous injuries on both sides, Lyon’s depth and confidence give them the edge.

‎Prediction: Nantes 0–1 Lyon

‎Côte d’Azur Derby

‎The Derby de la Côte d’Azur returns, with Nice seeking their first home win of 2026. After a nightmare end to 2025, Nice have improved in recent weeks and are unbeaten in three of their four league games this year.

‎Claude Puel, back for a second spell, will be hoping Allianz Riviera becomes a fortress again.

‎Monaco responded strongly to recent struggles, thumping Rennes 4–0 last weekend.

‎However, their away form remains a concern, failing to score in their last three away league matches while conceding heavily across January.

‎Nice haven’t been spectacular, but they have rebuilt confidence and have taken points in two of their last three home meetings with Monaco.

‎Prediction: Nice 2–1 Monaco

‎Le Classique Takes Centre Stage

‎The biggest match of the weekend arrives in Paris as PSG host Marseille in Le Classique, one of Europe’s most intense rivalries.

‎PSG sit top of the table, two points clear of Lens, after overcoming a shaky start to the season. Even with absences including suspended full-back Achraf Hakimi and injured Khvicha Kvaratskhelia Luis Enrique’s side remain strong contender.

‎Marseille, nine points off first place, must win to keep any slim title hopes alive. They remain the league’s top scorers but face a massive challenge against PSG’s home dominance. The squad is also thinner following the departures of Matt O’Riley and Angel Gomes, though new signings Himad Abdelli and Tochukwu Nnadi could debut.

‎With home momentum and superior depth, PSG enter as favourites.

‎Prediction: PSG 2–1 Marseille