The title run-in is reaching a climax in France with Montpellier looking to consolidate their position at the top of the standings and justify 5/6 outright favouritism in what could be a pivotal weekend.
The Stade de la Mosson outfit of course were a founder member of the first division in France but have still to taste the glory of being crowned champions, and may possibly not get a better opportunity.
However, the run to the line does not appear to be the easiest for La Paillade – on paper at least, despite closing their campaign against basement dwellers Auxerre.
A trip to Stade Rennes is sandwiched by home clashes against Evian TG and Lille, while the league leaders start the charge by travelling to seventh-placed Toulouse on Friday night, kicking off at 1800.
It provides a real opportunity for Rene Girard and his men to really take control of Le Championnat as a victory would pile the pressure on their rivals with third-placed Lille hosting second-placed Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday night.
MHSC currently hold a two-point advantage over the capital club, with Lille a further five points back so a win on Friday could turn out to be crucial in the final outcome.
However, it will not be easy at the Stadium Municipal and that is reflected in the betting with TFC priced as marginal 13/8 favourites, wtih Montpellier at 7/2 and the draw at 2/1.
Toulouse have hit the buffers of late and have slipped to seventh in the table, three points behind fourth-placed Lyon, but will be glad to be back on home soil, given their record at the Stadium Municipal.
Alain Casanova’s men have lost three of their last four but those defeats came on the road and they thrashed Lyon 3-0 the last time they played in front of their own fans.
In fact, Les Pitchouns have been beaten just once at home since the turn of the year (1-0 Saint-Etienne in February) and only twice all season so Montpellier will have it all to do – with their patchy away record.
Goals have not been a problem on the road for the league leaders – with Olivier Giroud and Younes Belhandra the men to watch out for – but that has been the same at both ends of the pitch.
Montpellier have won six and lost and drawn five on the road but they have only taken maximum points once in their last six games, and have lost three of the last four.
With that in mind, Toulouse look a good shout to continue their excellent home form and make Montpellier sweat over other results this weekend.
Friday’s other match sees Lorient take on 2010 champions Olympique Marseille, with the home side desperate for points to pull away from the relegation zone.
Christian Gourcuff’s men are only two points above Brest in 18th place and that could well the motivation they need to secure the three points.
Marseille are in the midst of a disastrous run of results – their Coupe de la Ligue success aside – and have nothing left to play for with the players seemingly having holidays on their mind.
Lorient have a decent home record, given their position in the table, with just four defeats at the Stade du Moustoir all season and can secure their eighth home on Friday.
Gourcuff’s men are favourites at 6/4 to do just that while the draw is priced at 2/1, but the more fanciful amongst us can get 19/10 on Marseille securing their first league win since the end of January.
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