AS Monaco, currently second in Ligue 1, looks to break a three-match winless streak against 12th-placed Brest while preparing for a crucial Champions League match against Benfica. Meanwhile, Jorge Sampaoli takes over at Stade Rennais, who are 13th and struggling, facing a tough away match against Lille. Marseille aims to recover from a loss to Auxerre against 8th-placed Lens, while Lyon seeks to maintain a six-match unbeaten run against 7th-placed Reims. Lastly, Montpellier, at the bottom of the league, hopes to build on their recent victory against Brest by defeating Saint-Etienne.
Can Monaco Maintain Their Momentum?
Following a recent win against Strasbourg, AS Monaco finds itself in a precarious position. Currently ranked second in Ligue 1, the Monégasques have experienced a lull, going three matches without a victory. This Friday at 7 PM, they will face Brest, a team sitting at 12th place in the league. A matchup against a struggling opponent could present an opportunity for Thilo Kehrer’s squad to secure an important win and apply pressure on PSG, who will be playing shortly after. Moreover, they are gearing up to host Benfica Lisbon in the Champions League on Wednesday. As the third-ranked team in their group, Monaco will be favored to advance further, especially against the 19th-placed Portuguese team. A win in this match would significantly boost their confidence.
Is the Sampaoli Effect Coming to Rennes?
Will we witness the Sampaoli effect as early as this Sunday? Argentine Jorge Sampaoli has taken the reins at Stade Rennais following the dismissal of Julien Stéphan during the international break. Currently positioned 13th in Ligue 1, Rennes has faced three defeats in their last five outings. Sampaoli’s first challenge is a tough away match against Lille on Sunday at 3 PM. With his dynamic coaching style, can the former OM manager help Rennes climb back into the upper echelons of the table? Fans are eager to find out.
Can OM Bounce Back?
Is the loss to Auxerre merely a blip on the radar for OM? This is the burning question among Marseille supporters. The Phocaeans are set to visit Lens, currently sitting 8th in the league, who recently enjoyed a morale-boosting win against Nantes, at 5 PM on Saturday. Now in third place and trailing the Parisian leaders by nine points, Marseille must be wary of their close competitors. Lille is just one point away, while Lyon trails by two points. With Roberto de Zerbi’s job on the line following the defeat, the team aims to restore their confidence before a crucial match against Monaco next weekend.
Can Lyon Keep Their Positive Momentum?
A derby victory, even if not the most convincing, can do wonders for team morale. Olympique Lyonnais is currently riding a six-match unbeaten streak, which has lasted nearly two months. Sitting fifth in Ligue 1 and ninth in the Europa League, the club is enjoying a solid start to the season. However, financial concerns loom as they face scrutiny from the DNCG. A match against Reims, who are 7th and just one point behind OL, presents a chance for Lyon to secure a podium spot, especially if Marseille falters against Lens earlier in the day. A positive result would also provide reassurance before their challenging trip to Azerbaijan on Thursday in the Europa League, where they could take a significant step towards qualifying for the round of 16.
Can Montpellier Begin a Winning Streak?
Montpellier has regained some much-needed confidence following their victory against Brest just before the international break, breaking a streak of five consecutive losses. The arrival of Jean-Louis Gasset has clearly made an impact, instilling a fresh message among the players. Currently sitting at the bottom of the league, the Montpelliérains will face Saint-Etienne on Saturday at 7 PM. A win would not only help them catch up with the Greens but also leapfrog Le Havre if the Normans struggle against Nantes on Sunday at 5 PM. This presents a crucial opportunity for Arnaud Nordin’s team as they navigate a challenging schedule leading up to the year’s end.
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