Ligue 1 preview: Lille look to bounce back

Lille coach Rudi Garcia is looking to put the pressure back on Ligue 1 leaders Marseille on Saturday when his side host relegated Arles.

Marseille moved a point clear at the top of the table on Wednesday, thanks to a 4-2 win over Nice, and despite finding themselves in second with six games left, Garcia insists his men will be fighting hard to secure their first league triumph since 1954.

“It was always going to be likely they went top, but what counts now is how we react,” Garcia said after his side relinquished the lead for the first time since December.

“Ultimately, we have to win all our matches. But there are six games left and we will have the chance to be leaders again.”

Arles have little to play for on Saturday, after they were condemned to a season in Ligue 2 on April 17 with a 1-0 loss at home to Valenciennes.

But Lille – who were held to a 1-1 draw at Lorient in their last league game – could be without Ligue 1’s top scorer Moussa Sow, who has tendinitis.

Marseille, meanwhile, can expect a tougher examination when they host Auxerre on Sunday.

In Saturday’s other games, Lens need three points from their home clash with Lorient if they are to have any hope of avoiding the drop, while fourth-placed Paris Saint Germain host Valenciennes, who are in 12th spot.

Jean Tigana’s Bordeaux side need a win from their trip to Stade Rennes if they are to keep their Europa League hopes alive, while Sochaux take on Nancy looking to put some breathing space between themselves and the relegation zone.

Joining Marseille and Auxerre in action on Sunday, 10th meets 11th when Montpellier play host to Brest, and Caen will hope to move out of the bottom three when they travel to Nice.

Lyon, who are third, will hope to keep the pressure on the leading duo when they visit Toulouse, and Saint Etienne host struggling Monaco in Sunday’s late game.