The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsFour Ligue 1 sides play their games in hand as they attempt to regain the ground lost when the original matches were postponed.
Bastia v Nantes Date 09/03/2016 – Venue – Stade Armand Cesari – Kick Off 17:30 (UK Time)
The encounter between these two teams was postponed due to fan protests the other week, but Bastia take on Nantes as they both aim to put pressure on those above them. A win for the visitors would see them sneak into the top six as Les Canaris have a stronger goal difference than Caen, who currently occupy 6th spot. Nantes’ long unbeaten run ended at Rennes last weekend, so they will be looking to begin another run of consistent form to push for a spot in Europe. Ermir Lenjani is reportedly injured for Nantes, alongside Alejandro Bedoya who is struggling with a muscular problem.
Currently in 11th, a win for Bastia would see them leapfrog Nantes and move to within three points of the top six. The hosts couldn’t find a way past Lorient in the previous game which ended in a draw, but they will be content with their performance; some better finishing in this match could earn them the three points. Sebastien Squillaci remains the only doubt for Bastia as he is recovering from a knock.
Gazélec Ajaccio v Marseille Date 09/03/2016 – Venue – Stade Ange Casanova – Kick Off 17:30 (UK Time)
After flooding provoked the postponement of this match, Gazélec welcome Marseille to the Stade Ange Casanova and it’s a big night for the home side in their bid to avoid relegation. The Corsicans are three points adrift in 18th and a victory would give them a much needed boost ahead of the weekend’s game. Amos Youga is a recent casualty for Gazélec, as he is sidelined with a thigh problem.
Marseille should have been hoping to get into the European spots but a shock draw against Toulouse in the previous game left them 13th, six points below the top six. This may prove to be a big game for Les Olympiens in their bid for European football again next season. A downside for Marseille is that Lassana Diarra is out of action with a knee injury; the midfielder has been involved in 21 games this campaign.
