Ligue 1 preview: PSG aim to consolidate top spot

7 February 2013 12:35

Paris Saint-Germain will aim for a fourth win in a row as they host Bastia in Ligue 1 on Friday.

The capital club jumped three points clear on top of the table after title challengers Lyon and Marseille both lost last weekend.

Bastia, who are in 13th position, haven't won any of their past three league games and last defeated PSG back in February 2003.

Talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hit 20 goals in 20 league games and the visitors will have their hands full with the Swedish veteran.

Second-placed Lyon were convincingly beaten 3-1 by Ajaccio last round and will be hoping to bounce back at home against Lille on Sunday.

After a four-game winless run, Lille have dropped off the pace but can put a dent in Lyon's title aspirations by getting a result.

A shock loss to second-last Nancy last weekend will spur Marseille on as they travel to Evian on Sunday.

Marseille are struggling to keep pace with the leaders and would not want to drop another game against a bottom-half club.

Two wins in a row has seen Bordeaux rise to fourth position but they have a tough road trip against Ajaccio on Saturday, who haven't lost in four games.

Saint-Etienne, aiming for their fourth victory in row, host French champions Montpellier on Saturday in a crucial battle with a win for either side provisionally lifting them into a Champions League qualification position.

In other Saturday matches, Nice entertain Lorient as they look to continue their push for continental football, rock-bottom Troyes welcome Sochaux in a battle to shape the relegation zone, Nancy and Reims square off and Brest travel to Valenciennes with both sides looking to bounce back from losses.

On Sunday, Rennes take on Toulouse with the aim of getting three points after two consecutive draws.