Sunday's Ligue 1 predictions including Lyon vs. Lille

Nice vs. Toulouse (Sunday, 12.00pm)

Ligue 1 defensive specialists Nice endeavour to maintain a position on the podium when Toulouse head to the Allianz Riviera on Sunday lunchtime.

Les Aiglons continued their astonishing run of shut-outs by drawing 0-0 with Montpellier HSC last time out, while their visitors held out for a 1-1 stalemate at Lille.

We say: Nice 1-0 Toulouse

Forced to work without the suspended Dallinga and injured Aboukhlal, Toulouse's chances of breaching a near-impenetrable Nice backline are wafer-thin, and Martinez's men could learn a thing or two about rearguard mastery from their upcoming opponents.

For all of the hosts' remarkable work at the back, 13 goals at the correct end of the field is still the worst record in the top four, so only a solitary strike may separate the sides on Sunday as Nice extend their unbeaten record.

Lorient vs. Metz (Sunday, 2.00pm)

Two teams separated by just two points in the tight Ligue 1 standings prepare for battle at the Stade du Moustoir on Sunday afternoon, as Lorient meet newly-promoted Metz.

Les Merlus went down 1-0 to relegation rivals Clermont prior to the international break, while their visitors saw off Nantes 3-1 to solidify their mid-table position.

We say: Lorient 1-1 Metz

Metz may have entered the international break with the wind in their sails, but Lorient arguably benefitted more from the fortnight's reset, especially with a couple of names exiting their packed treatment room.

Les Merlus are seldom outclassed on their own turf as well, so we can envisage Le Bris's team ending their goalless streak to take a point off of their newly-promoted foes on Sunday.

Nantes vs. Le Havre (Sunday, 2.00pm)

Two teams separated by just one point in the Ligue 1 table go head to head on Sunday when Nantes welcome Le Havre to Stade de la Beaujoire.

Le Havre have impressed so far during their first top-flight season for 15 years, sitting seventh in the table, two places above Sunday's opponents.

We say: Nantes 1-1 Le Havre

These two sides look like a good matchup for each other in a number of ways.

Only three teams have scored more than Nantes in Ligue 1 this season, while only three teams have conceded fewer than Le Havre, so the result will likely come down to which of those units wins that battle.

Both teams have struggled for wins in recent times, and as a result both would probably be fairly content with a draw from this match. We are going for a share of the spoils.

Montpellier vs. Brest (Sunday, 2.00pm)

After a three-week absence, Brest return to Ligue 1 action on Sunday looking to get their season back on track away to Montpellier HSC at the Stade de la Mosson.

A postponement of their gameweek 12 meeting with Strasbourg coupled with the international break mean that Brest have not featured since November 5, while Montpellier went into the break off the back of a good draw with high-flying Nice.

We say: Montpellier HSC 2-0 Brest

Both teams will point to difficult recent fixtures as to why their formbooks are misleading going into this match, but despite Brest sitting higher in the table and having generally been the better side this season, we are backing the home side to come away with the points.

Montpellier have only been beaten once at home all season and have not conceded in any of their last three home games, whereas Brest have failed to score in any of their last three away games.

It is a more confident Brest side than the one that lost last season's meetings 10-0 on aggregate, but they have also only won one of their last 15 meetings with Montpellier, and we are backing Der Zakarian to get one over on his former club.

Rennes vs. Reims (Sunday, 4.05pm)

Struggling Rennes welcome a Reims side enjoying a resurgence under Will Still to Roazhon Park in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

The visitors are level on points with Lille, who occupy a Champions League place, but after finishing in the top four in the last two seasons, Rennes currently find themselves closer to the relegation zone and now with a new manager.

We say: Rennes 1-1 Reims

While often finishing above Reims, Rennes certainly see them as a bogey team, having only won twice in their previous 10 meetings.

The form book suggests a similar result could be on the cards too, and Reims will fancy their chances, despite a potential new manager bounce for Rennes.

Lyon vs. Lille (Sunday, 7.45pm)

Bottom-of-the-table Lyon will look to continue their recovery from a horrific start when they welcome Lille to the Groupama Stadium in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

Fabio Grosso's side enjoyed their first victory of the season just before the international break, but it was not enough to pull them off the foot of the table.

We say: Lyon 1-1 Lille

Draw specialists Lille are set for another one in a clash between two former French champions, with Lyon showing possible signs of improvement.

The visitors have a formidable record here, and while wins have been commonplace, a draw is most likely from this one, as their struggles to win on the road may continue.