Sunday's Ligue 1 predictions including Lyon vs. Rennes

Lyon vs. Rennes (Sunday, 12.00pm)

After the disappointment of their cup exit in midweek, Lyon aim to extend a five-game unbeaten streak in Ligue 1 on Sunday, when they host top-four contenders Rennes.

Both sides have beaten Paris Saint-Germain in recent weeks, but Les Gones lost out in Wednesday's Coupe de France semi-final and their visitors saw Lens dent their fine home record last weekend.

We say: Lyon 1-1 Rennes

Both teams have shown what they are capable of in recent weeks, but achieving consistency has been beyond two young sides. Well-matched on paper, this Easter Sunday encounter could be a close-fought contest which ends in a share of the spoils.

Ajaccio vs. Auxerre (Sunday, 2.00pm)

A pivotal relegation six-pointer takes place in Ligue 1 on Sunday afternoon, as Ajaccio welcome fellow demotion dog-fighters Auxerre to the Stade Francois Coty.

Olivier Pantaloni's side were put to the sword 2-1 by Clermont last weekend, while their visitors' survival hopes were boosted with a 1-0 triumph over Troyes.

We say: Ajaccio 0-1 Auxerre

Even with a couple of injuries rearing their ugly heads for the Auxerre defence, a shot-shy Ajaccio side who have struggled for goals at home all season should experience little joy against Pelissier's backline.

Low-scoring encounters have been the theme for these two sides in recent memory, and there is nothing to suggest that this contest will not follow a similar pattern, but an increasingly resilient Auxerre side can nick a solitary goal to potentially jump out of the bottom four and deepen Ajaccio's relegation fears.

Montpellier vs. Toulouse (Sunday, 2.00pm)

Montpellier HSC and Toulouse meet at the Stade de la Mosson for a mid-table Ligue 1 clash this Sunday.

The sides are separated by just two points in the upper end of the bottom half heading into the weekend.

We say: Montpellier HSC 2-0 Toulouse

In an often high-scoring fixture, there have been 18 goals scored in the last five meetings between the sides, including a 4-2 win for Toulouse in the reverse earlier this season.

However, Montpellier's resurgence has been phenomenal, and they may well continue their hot streak with another win over a side who could be focusing more on the cup final to come in a few weeks' time.

Reims vs. Brest (Sunday, 2.00pm)

Will Still's impressive young Reims side welcome Brest to the Stade Auguste-Delaune for a Ligue 1 clash on Sunday.

The hosts will have faint hopes of Europe, while the away side are still in trouble of relegation.

We say: Reims 1-0 Brest

In the last 18 meetings between the sides, there have been just two occasions where there has been more than two goals scored, with both occasions ending in 2-1 Brest wins.

However, with Reims' strength in defence, another low-scoring encounter is to be expected, which the home side may just edge.

Troyes vs. Clermont (Sunday, 2.00pm)

An out-of-form Troyes side welcome Clermont to the Stade de l'Aube in a crucial Ligue 1 encounter for the hosts this Sunday.

A woeful run of results since the end of January means Troyes are now among the heavy favourites to be relegated.

We say: Troyes 1-1 Clermont

With Clermont playing mainly for pride, Troyes must take advantage as they are fighting for their Ligue 1 lives, but holding onto leads is a big problem for them.

Since the start of last season, Troyes have dropped a staggering 49 points from winnings positions, opening the scoring on 30 occasions but only winning 10 of those games.

Nantes vs. Monaco (Sunday, 4.05pm)

After booking their place in the Coupe de France final earlier this week, Nantes can end their six-match winless run in Ligue 1 when they welcome Monaco to Stade de la Beaujoire on Sunday.

A week ago, La Maison Jaune lost 3-0 at home to Reims, putting them four points above the relegation zone, while Monaco moved to within three points of Marseille and Lens for a Champions League berth, edging Strasbourg 4-3.

We say: Nantes 1-2 Monaco

These two teams have been challenging to read this season, and they have each been streaky at times in 2022-23.

That being said, Monaco have looked much sharper and calmer away from home and should be able to exploit a Nantes side who seem to be feeling the pressure of potential relegation at this stage of the campaign.

Lorient vs. Marseille (Sunday, 7.45pm)

Still in contention for their first Ligue 1 title in over a decade, Marseille seek victory at mid-table Lorient on Sunday, when the teams meet at Stade du Moustoir.

Though they returned from the international break with a disappointing draw, Paris Saint-Germain's recent slip-ups see OM just six points off top spot with nine games remaining - and they have beaten this week's hosts in each of their last seven league meetings.

We say: Lorient 1-2 Marseille

Marseille's superb record on the road cannot be ignored, and they should not lack any inspiration as the Ligue 1 title could still be up for grabs. As Lorient also lack their old attacking verve, OM should out-score their hosts and pick up three valuable points.