PSG vs. Auxerre (Sunday, 12.00pm)
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Paris Saint-Germain will aim to record a seventh consecutive win in all competitions when they host Auxerre for Sunday lunchtime's Ligue 1 clash.
Ahead of the final round of fixtures before the World Cup break, Christophe Galtier's men boast a five-point lead at the top of the table, while their newly-promoted visitors are sitting safely in 15th place.
We say: Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 Auxerre
The expected return of Messi should increase PSG's creative output tenfold, and a Galtier squad almost at full-strength should have far too much for Auxerre on Sunday lunchtime.
The visitors have made a solid, if yet unspectacular start to life under Pelissier and should not ship goals at will, but the gulf in class between the two squads will show at some point.
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> How PSG could line up against Auxerre
Nantes vs. Ajaccio (Sunday, 2.00pm)
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Struggling Nantes welcome newly-promoted Ajaccio to the Stade de la Beaujoire on Sunday, as 16th meets 17th in a crucial Ligue 1 clash.
The hosts lost narrowly to Reims last weekend, while their Corsican visitors recorded an impressive 4-2 win over Strasbourg.
We say: Nantes 2-1 Ajaccio
Following their impressive win last weekend, we are expecting Ajaccio to come into this one with confidence and to at least get on the scoresheet in an important relegation battle.
Nonetheless, given they have suffered just one defeat at home this season, Nantes should have too much for their newly-promoted visitors as they record just their third win of the season.
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Lille vs. Angers (Sunday, 2.00pm)
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In-form Lille welcome bottom club Angers to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Sunday, looking to close the gap on the top four in the final round of Ligue 1 fixtures before the World Cup break.
While the hosts had to settle for a draw with Rennes last weekend, the visitors saw their losing run extended to six as they fell to a 2-1 defeat to Lens.
We say: Lille 3-0 Angers
While Angers have been relatively competitive against strong sides in their recent defeats, we cannot look past a rampant Lille side to record a convincing victory here.
Having played all the teams in and around them, an upcoming run against inferior opposition provides a great opportunity for Fonseca's men to keep the pressure on the top four, and we expect them to start that run with a bang.
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Montpellier vs. Reims (Sunday, 2.00pm)
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An improving Reims side travel to the Stade de la Mosson this Sunday to take on Montpellier HSC in Ligue 1.
Both sides have changed their manager in recent weeks and seen very differing responses to doing so.
We say: Montpellier HSC 1-1 Reims
Reims' drastic change in form thanks to their newfound defensive solidity gives them a great chance to come here and get a result.
Montpellier have still been very good offensively though, despite their issues at the back, and that could be enough to earn them a point.
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Brest vs. Troyes (Sunday, 2.00pm)
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Two out of form sides meet in Ligue 1 on Sunday, when Brest welcome Troyes to the Stade Francis-Le Ble.
Both teams will have a caretaker manager in the dugout as they will hope to use the World Cup break to scout out the perfect possible replacement for their recently sacked managers.
We say: Brest 2-2 Troyes
Neither side are particularly enjoying their football at the moment, and may just hope to avoid defeat before the lengthy World Cup break in a fixture which historically has been very tight.
Troyes' last seven games have seen both teams score though, and Brest have been leaky in defence too, so goals should be a near certainty.
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Strasbourg vs. Lorient (Sunday, 4.05pm)
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A fading Lorient side travel to Strasbourg for a Ligue 1 fixture on Sunday afternoon at the Stade de la Meinau.
Strasbourg boss Julien Stephan's position is in serious threat now following a very poor start to the season.
We say: Strasbourg 1-3 Lorient
Expect goals here - there have been three or more goals in Strasbourg's last seven matches, and in eight of Lorient's last nine.
With Moffi back, Lorient look a different side once again, and a Strasbourg outfit struggling to keep the goals out may suffer here.
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Monaco vs. Marseille (Sunday, 7.45pm)
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The final Ligue 1 contest before the World Cup break sees high-flyers Monaco and Marseille clash at the State Louis II on Sunday evening.
Both sides have identical records in the league so far, as Monaco beat Toulouse 2-0, and Marseille battled to a 1-0 win over Lyon last weekend.
We say: Monaco 2-1 Marseille
A very evenly-matched contest, this is a top-of-the-table clash that could swing either way, with both sides boasting huge quality throughout.
Nonetheless, given Monaco's remarkable scoring streak, and Marseille's inconsistencies of late, we are predicting a narrow win for the hosts.
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Barney Corkhill
