Bastia v Lyon (15th v 9th)
Sat, 19:00 GMT
Live on BT Sport 1
Sat, 19:00 GMT
Live on BT Sport 1
Bastia sacked manager Ghislain Printant this week. The decision was little surprise given Bastia's lowly league position and likely relegation battle in the months ahead.
The Corsicans' home form is a good W7-D0-L4. Against strong visitors, however, their record is a poorer W1-D0-L3, with PSG, Monaco and Nice all winners at Stade Furiani this season.
The appointment of a new manager can lift a team. The chances of immediate improvement under new boss Francois Ciccolini are slim, however, given that defenders Francois Modesto and Florian Marange, midfielders Yohan Cahuzac and Seko Fofana and winger Floyd Ayite are all absent for Bastia this weekend.
Lyon's recent performances have been better than results. They were unlucky to lose at St Etienne (1-0) a fortnight ago and played well in patches against Marseille (1-1) last weekend. You can sense a big win in the offing. Against limited hosts there's a good chance the stars are aligning for Lyon this weekend.
Recommended Bet
Back Lyon to win @ 1.83
Recommended Bet
Back Lyon to win @ 1.83
Troyes v Nantes (20th v 11th)
Sat, 19:00 GMT
After six months of misery Troyes finally recorded their first win of the season last weekend. Trailing 1-0 at Lille, they burst into life in the final 15 minutes, winning 3-1.
Rooted to the foot of the table, Troyes are still odds-on for relegation. But last week's victory will have given the players confidence. They have nothing to lose so I expect an attacking approach.
Nantes have attacked well and defended poorly in recent weeks. They drew 2-2 at Guingamp a fortnight ago and 2-2 at home to Bordeaux last weekend. Troyes have Ligue 1's worst defensive record so Nantes will be confident of scoring. But Nantes' defensive woes and Troyes' confidence going forward suggests the visitors will struggle to keep a clean sheet.
Recommended Bet
Both Teams to Score @ 1.90
Both Teams to Score @ 1.90
Caen v Nice (7th v 3rd)
Sun, 13:00 GMT
Live on BT Sport Extra 3
Caen ended a six-game winless streak (W0-D2-L4) with a 2-1 victory at Montpellier last weekend.
On the back of that triumph I expect a positive approach from the hosts. Caen are a confident side that have played good football at Stade Michel d'Ornano this season. They are under little pressure as their points tally is better than anyone expected.
Like Caen, Nice are outstripping predictions. Sitting third in the table, they have a young, entertaining side and genuine hopes of claiming a Champions League place.
All season Nice have attacked well and defended moderately. The stats tell the story - they're Ligue 1's second-highest scorers (37 goals) but have only the ninth-best defence (26 conceded).
In a game where attacks are likely to be on top, goals is the smart selection.
Recommended Bet
Both Teams to Score @ 1.90
Recommended Bet
Both Teams to Score @ 1.90
Bordeaux v Rennes (10th v 4th)
Sun, 16:00 GMT
Live on BT Sport Extra 3
Bordeaux's defending over the past week suggests they'll struggle to keep a clean sheet this weekend.
They were horrendous in the first-half at Nantes last weekend. They trailed 2-0 at half-time before improving to draw 2-2.
On Tuesday Bordeaux were beaten 5-1 at Lille in the League Cup semi-finals. That defeat will be a massive blow to their confidence and once again underlined their defensive problems.
Goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso is ruled out through injury. That's a huge problem because he's a good goalkeeper and one of the side's leaders. The inexperience of understudy Jerome Prior is also a concern - he is only 20 and has made just five starts in the first-team.
Rennes have the counter-attacking qualities to take advantage of Bordeaux's defensive problems. But they may struggle to keep a clean sheet themselves. They have conceded in 19 of 25 in all competitions against Ligue 1 opposition, while Bordeaux have scored in 16 of 18 home outings in all competitions.
Recommended Bet
Both Teams to Score @ 2.00
Both Teams to Score @ 2.00
