Friday's Ligue 1 predictions including Brest vs. Reims

Nice vs. Le Havre (Friday, 8.00pm)

Still vying for Champions League qualification, Nice welcome Le Havre to the Allianz Riviera for Friday's Ligue 1 showdown.

Both teams coincidentally come into the encounter with 3-1 triumphs over Strasbourg to their name from their most recent matches, although the hosts have had longer to recuperate from their latest success.

We say: Nice 2-0 Le Havre

Morale is high in both camps right now, but Nice have partially returned to their former defensive ways, while Le Havre's rearguard record on the road still leaves a lot to be desired.

A lengthy rest could either be a help or a hindrance for Farioli's men, but we still have faith in the Champions League hopefuls to get the job done and leave Le Havre relying on other results to go their way.

Brest vs. Reims (Friday, 8.00pm)

A top-four finish could be rubber-stamped for this season's Ligue 1 surprise package Brest on Friday, when Reims make the visit to the party atmosphere at the Stade Francis-Le Ble.

Eric Roy's men are still on course for Champions League qualification despite winning just one of their last four games, while their visitors are now planning for life without head coach Will Still.

We say: Brest 2-1 Reims

With safety secured and only a top-half finish left to fight for this season, Reims should not be desperate for a new manager bounce under Diawara, and their defensive discipline has eluded them over the past few weeks.

Goals at either end are seemingly a guarantee in this one, but owing to the visitors' horrendous rearguard record on the road, Brest should take the spoils and do all they can to wrap up early Champions League qualification.