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ESPNsoccernet: Europe | |
PARIS, January 24 (Ligue 1) - Lyon can earn local bragging rights - and take a significant step towards their seventh consecutive Ligue 1 title - by beating neighbours St Etienne this weekend.
They clash at the Stade Geoffrey-Guichard on Sunday in undoubtedly the game of the weekend and there is a lot riding on the outcome. Bordeaux appear to be the only team capable of challenging Les Gones in the title race this season, but Lyon are keeping their noses in front and a win in one of the toughest matches in their run-in would be a massive fillip. Last Saturday's home victory over Rennes gave under-pressure St Etienne coach Laurent Roussey some breathing space but he will again feel the strain with a defeat in the derby. Lyon's 2-0 win over Lorient on Wednesday stretched their lead at the top and coach Alain Perrin said: 'This victory is ideal preparation before the derby, in terms of confidence and our play. We must maintain the same values at the Geoffrey-Guichard.' Second-placed Bordeaux will look to keep pace at the summit by seeing off Lorient at Le Moustoir on Sunday. The rest of the weekend's games take place on Saturday, the highlight being Lille at home to Paris St Germain. Lille are unbeaten in four and have climbed out of the bottom three. With new signing Rio Mavuba shoring up their midfield, they were impressive 3-1 winners against Le Mans on Wednesday, only their fifth victory of the campaign. PSG, meanwhile, are up to mid-table thanks to their 3-0 dismantling of Metz, their third win in four games. Both are still involved in a real relegation tussle that could end up dragging in most of the league. Only nine points separate Monaco, who are in fifth position, and 18th-placed Auxerre. They host Nancy, who are still third despite having failed to win any of their last eight games in Ligue 1. Fourth-placed Nice, who have not lost since October 6, travel to fourth-bottom Toulouse, while Monaco will be looking for a fourth straight league win when they go to Le Mans, who have lost four on the bounce. Elsewhere, cellar dwellers Metz welcome Rennes, second-bottom Sochaux entertain Valenciennes, improving Lens host Strasbourg and Caen - unbeaten in nine matches - play Marseille away.