Saturday Preview: A Breton Derby and more

Nantes vs. Rennes

Les Canaris are five points above FC Lorient, who currently occupy the relegation playoff position. With five matches left in their season, Antoine Kombouaré and his team want to secure points to continue distancing themselves from the relegation battle.

Nantes have won two of their last three contests, and these six points have allowed them to create a small buffer between themselves and the relegation zone. They have a chance to secure another three points when hosting Julien Stéphan and his team, who have struggled recently, for the latest installment of the Derby Breton.

Rennes will travel to the Stade de la Beaujoire on a downward trend, having lost their last three league matches, which is hurting their chances of securing a European competition spot for next season. Les Rouge et Noirs did defeat Nantes last October, so they’ll look to beat them again to end their three-game losing streak.

Clermont Foot vs. RC Lens

Les Lanciers have secured points in three of their last four matches (one win and two draws) as they push to avoid a direct relegation. Pascal Gastien and his team will need wins with five matches left on their schedule as they trail Lorient by four points for the relegation playoff spot.

Clermont Foot isn’t the only team needing a win in this match as RC Lens have hit a hurdle late in the season. Franck Haise and his team head into this contest riding a four-game winless streak (three losses and one draw) and need to snap the skid to keep themselves in the race for a European competition spot. 

Les Sang et Or trail fifth place OGC Nice by four points and while their winless streak hasn’t taken them out of the race completely, Lens cannot afford to drop any more points, or else it will be a tough end to the season.