Two games to go, all to play for - tick, tick, tick.....

Every match on Sunday with every kick off at 8pm. The Champions League places could be decided, a second team possibly relegated, major steps to the Europa League place taken and possibly new League champions by 10pm. Alternatively there'll still be plenty up for grabs next week on a tense and exciting final day of the season. Every game this week will impact the title, Europe or relegation in some way. Here we look at each of Sunday's games in anticipation of what might happen.

Nimes V Lyon Relegation - Survival V Champions League race

Nimes gave themselves a chance of survival last week with a huge win at Metz (0-3). This week though they host a free scoring Lyon side fighting for the third placed Champions League spot. If Les Nimois lose and the five teams above them win, its over for Les Crocodiles. Even a win may not be enough for them and beating Lyon is a tough ask. Les Lyonnais have only lost one match in six and that was a close game with league leaders Lille. Beat Les Gones though and Nimes could drag several teams in to the mire with one game to go. Strasbourg, Lorient and Bordeaux are all dangerously close to the bottom three. Even Brest who lie in 14th place on 40 points could be in danger if results go against them. Lyon meanwhile sit in 4th just a point behind Monaco who are in the Champions League qualifying place. Rudi Garcia's men are on form and have scored 15 goals in their last 5 league games. They have no major injuries and will be highly motivated to qualify for the Champion's League. If they do, it could be that they’ll be playing amongst Europe's elite next season with a new manager. There are strong rumours that Rudi Garcia will be replaced at the end of the season. By who remains to be seen. This reverse fixture finished as a goalless draw back in September but that seems unlikely here. There is too much at stake for either team to sit back. Both have everything to play for. Both need to win.

Frenchfooty prediction: Nimes 1 V Lyon 2.

One to watch: Hassem Aouar - Lyon

The 22 year old Frenchman has 6 league goals and 3 assists this season. He has good technique, loves to run with the ball and can beat players with ease. He tends to play on the left side of a three man midfield but has also played as a left winger. He seems to overuse his right foot and neglect his left. He will have to improve on this if he is to fulfill his potential. It has been rumoured that Liverpool and Arsenal are looking at him so it will be interesting to see how he does in the final games of the season. Would Lyon qualifying for the champions League be enough for him to stay another season?

Nimes V Lyon kicks off at 2000 on Sunday 16th May 2021. It is not on any British TV Channels.

Marseille V Angers - Les Marseillais chasing the Europa League

Olympique Marseille had a dreadful result last week losing 0-1 at Saint-Étienne. Jorge Sampaoli's attacking mindset was absent in his team who were completely lacklustre against Les Stephanois. The result though wasn't as disastrous as it should have been with the quirk that Marseille actually moved up a place, despite losing, due to goal difference. With Lens losing 0-3 at home to Lille, L'OM overtook them to hold the Europa League 5th placed spot. Even if Marseille and Lens both win their last two games it's impossible to know who will actually finish 5th. Just 2 goals separate them so if Marseille were to win 1-0 on Sunday, for example, but Lens 4-0, then Lens would take 5th spot. It's another exciting facet to the closing stages of this Ligue 1 season. Both Marseilles and Lens need to win their respective games, not just for the competition with each other, but because Rennes are just one point behind them. Sixth place will now also guarantee a place in Europe as either PSG or Monaco will win the Coupe De France. As both these teams will have qualified for Europe via their league position, 6th place is awarded a European spot. It will not be for the Europa League though but for the newly created UEFA Europa Conference League. This is a new competition that will be the third tier of European Club Competition. The qualifying is split between domestic Cup Winners and/or League standings depending on which Country you play in. Clubs will much rather be in the Europa League than the new Conference League. Marseille in particular will feel they should be involved in the biggest competitions possible. They have been poor in the the last two games with 1 draw and 1 loss and strangely scoring just 1 goal. Sampaoli has to get this right on Sunday. If Marseille don't have European competition next season it's a trophy less to play for, there is more pressure to do well domestically and it's harder to attract players during the summer. His side face an Angers side with just one win in their last five.

Angers are safe from relegation, currently 12th place, but struggle to score goals and are in poor form. They won comfortably last week but that was against relegated whipping boys Dijon. The team from the Loire valley actually beat L'OM back in December. However if Marseille are at their best they should win. If they don't then the pressure will be heaped on Jorge Sampaoli before he's really got started. The Argentinian desperately needs a reaction from his players here. Florian Thauvin and Hiroki Sakai will be playing for the last time at the Stade Velodrome with both moving to Mexico and Japan respectively in the summer.

Frenchfooty prediction: Marseille 2 - Angers 0.

One to watch: Florian Thauvin - Marseille

The 28 year old Frenchman will be playing his last game at the Stade Velodrome after seven years at the club. What a shame it is that there will be no fans to give him a good send off. Thauvin will be joining, bizarrely in my opinion, Mexican side Tigres UANL in the summer. Surely he is worthy of a place at a team in a better league than that? Thauvin has been a good servant to Les Phocéens (63 league goals and 39 assists) and would surely have been applauded by the Marseille Support just as his ex, and soon to be once more team mate, André-Pierre Gignac was years ago, before making the same move. Thauvin normally plays on the right wing and likes to beat defenders. This season though has seen him play in various positions. The left footer has 8 league goals and 8 assists this season. Will he look to coast through the game knowing his time at Marseille is coming to an end? Or will he go out with a bang and help his Club qualify for Europe.

Marseille V Angers kicks off at 2000 on Sunday 16th May 2021. It is not on any British TV Channels.

Nice V Strasbourg - Strasbourg in fight against relegation

A few weeks ago this would have been seen as a dead rubber with both teams seemingly safe but too far away to qualify for Europe. Strasbourg's disastrous recent form though, no wins in the last five, has dragged Les Coureurs into dangerous territory. Just three points above automatic relegation placed Nimes and one point above relegation play off placed Nantes, Strasbourg are desperate for points here. As mentioned last week Strasbourg have some good players. Kenny Lala is a quality right back who makes good forward runs and has good delivery in to the box. Dimitri Lienard has great delivery from set pieces. Habib Diallo and Ludovic Ajorque have 22 league goals between them this season. For whatever reason though Thierry Laurey's side have not clicked this year. Strasbourg travel to the French Riviera to face a Nice side who have lost just twice in 10 league games. Nice must be slightly disappointed that they haven't done better this season. They were 5th when the league was suspended due to COVID last year after 28 games. Les Aiglons are currently 9th with no chance of qualifying for Europe. They have talent in their side but struggle to put winning runs together. Strasbourg have a chance here and need to take it if they don't want a nervous last day of the season next week.

Frenchfooty prediction: Nice 1 - Strasbourg 1

One to watch: Habib Diallo - Strasbourg.

The Senegalese Striker has 8 goals and 3 assists this season. Whilst Ludovic Ajorque is the target man and more focal point of Strasbourg's attack Diallo is quicker and more mobile. The 25 year old is adept at holding the ball up with his strength helping his team mates to find space. If Strasbourg were to go down this season Diallo would surely be snapped up by a more successful club. It's a little surprising he hasn't been already.

Nice V Strasbourg kicks off at 2000 on Sunday 16th May 2021. It is not on any British TV Channels.

Lorient V Metz - Lorient dangerously close to bottom three

Lorient are teetering above the 18th placed relegation play off place by a point. The Breton’s form has been erratic, two wins and three losses in the last five games. It’s rare that they don’t score though and in Terem Moffi they have a consistent goal scorer. Lorient host Metz at the Stade Du Moustoir who have little to play for. Safe from relegation in 10th place Metz have only one win in five and were thrashed at home last week to Nimes. Lorient have every opportunity to get a huge win here. Lose and things will be very nervous for Christophe Peltiers’ team going in to the final game of the season.

Frenchfooty prediction: Lorient 2 V Metz 1

One to watch: Terem Moffi - Lorient

The 21 year old Nigerian forward has had an impressive first season in French Football. He has scored 14 league goals with 2 assists in a struggling side. He recently scored a hat trick against fellow strugglers Bordeaux and will be hoping to keep his side up with more goals this weekend.

Lorient V Metz kicks off at 2000 on Sunday 16th May. It will not be shown on any British Television channels.

Monaco V Rennes - Champions League V Europa League place

Monaco are currently holding the third place Champions League spot just a point above Lyon. Les Monegasques are in excellent form winning 6 of their last 7 league games and cruising to the Coupe De France final. There one loss in that period was a close match at home to Lyon. They have plenty of goals in their team and have shown grit to win a lot of games when not playing well. Two wins and they are certain to qualify for the Champions League. Slip up though and Lyon could easily leapfrog them leaving them with Europa League qualification instead. Rennes visit the Stade Louis 2 on Sunday hoping to qualify for Europe themselves. They are currently 7th and just a point behind Marseille and Lens. A win here would at least keep the pressure on those teams above but could see the Bretons end the weekend in a European qualifying place. Perhaps 5th placed Europa League or 6th placed Europa Conference. They had a very decent draw at home to Paris last week which they managed without their impressive central midfield partnership of Nzonzi and Camavinga. Both are back from suspension this week which strengthens Les Rennais. Rennes don't have the goals in their team that Monaco do (49 league goals so far against Monaco's 74) but they do have a well balanced side and striker Serhou Guirassy is a handful (9 goals). This should be a close as keenly contested game.

Frenchfooty prediction: Monaco 2 - Rennes 1

One to watch: Eduardo Camavinga - Rennes

France's youngest ever capped player Camavinga is a versatile midfielder with class and quality. The 18 year old protects his back four well with excellent positioning and reading of the game. He is also quick and skillful with a calmness on the ball that belies his youth and inexperience. He is a mainstay of the Rennes side and has the quality to play further forward. Possibly the most exciting young prospect in Ligue 1 currently, it's hard to see him being at Rennes much longer. Perhaps qualifying for Europe would keep him in Brittany for another season.

Monaco V Rennes kicks off at 2000 on the 16th May 2021. It is live on Bt Sport Extra 3.

Montpellier V Stade Brestois - Bretons still in danger

Brest travel to Montpellier on Sunday knowing they are still in danger of relegation. They are 14th but only have 40 points, just three above 18th placed Nantes and five from 19th placed Nimes. A point here could be enough to keep them up if Nantes and Nimes don't win but a victory would ease their discomfort and ensure they can't be automatically relegated. The fight against the 18th placed relegation play off place is particularly tight still and the Bretons will not want to go in to the final day of the season with that threat hanging over them. Montpellier have nothing left to play for after being agonisingly close to getting to the Coupe De France final in midweek. They were 2-2 at home to PSG at full time only to lose on penalties 5 - 6. It's a shame that Montpellier won't qualify for Europe as they have an exciting team with one of the best attacks in the league. Their front three of Stephy Mavididi (9 goals), Andy Delort (14 goals - 9 assists) and Gaetan Laborde (15 goals - 8 assists) have been outstanding this season. Despite being safe and not being able to qualify for Europe it's hard to see Michel Der Zakarian's team not playing for the win. They only have one win in their last five but are always competitive. Brest will need to be at their best to get something out of this game. Les Pirates only have one win in the last five themselves in a run that included a disastrous 4 - 1 home defeat to Nantes. They will need to work hard to keep Montpellier's front three out and hope their strike pairing of Mounie ( 9 goals) and Charbonnier (6 goals) can create opportunities.

Frenchfooty prediction: Montpellier 2 - Stade Brestois 2

One to watch: Gaëtan Charbonnier - Stade Brestois

The veteran forward only has 6 goals this season but on his day he can be a handful for defences. Given the service he can finish and has a decent shot from distance, just watch his free kick against Saint Etienne this season as an example. Brest will need Charbonnier's experience here if they hope to get out of trouble themselves.

Montpellier V Brest kicks off at 2000 on Sunday 16th May. It will not be shown on any British Television channels.

Bordeaux V Lens - Relegation V European qualification

Whatever happens here Bordeaux have had an awful season. Their poor league form means they still have the threat of relegation hanging over them. Worse though is the fact that current American owners King Street recently pulled their financial support and the club are now in administration. Even if they stay up they can expect to lose their better players in the summer. Go down and it could be some time before we see Bordeaux back in Ligue 1. Les Bordelais' proud history (Champions six times and Coupe De France winners four times) seems to count for little these days. Ex players like Zidane, Giresse and Tigana must be appalled at what's happened to the club they served with distinction. They have only one win in seven, have been shipping goals left, right and centre and are without experienced defender and Captain Laurent Koscielny through injury. Their one plus point this season has been the form of South Korean striker Hwang Ui-Jo who has 11 goals this season. If they lose here and Nantes win Bordeaux could drop in to the bottom three. They are lucky that Strasbourg and Lorient are also struggling. Bordeaux face a Lens side having a fantastic season given they were only promoted last season. Les Lensois are 6th but will be playing for a win to keep the pressure on 5th placed Marseille and stay above 7th placed Rennes. If Lens qualify for Europe this season it will be a phenomenal achievement for Franck Haise's team. Their recent form, two wins in five, seems patchy but those results include losses to PSG and Lille. This should be another close game with both teams needing a win but I would expect Lens to come out on top.

Frenchfooty prediction: Bordeaux 1 V Lens 2

One to watch: Ignatius Ganago - Lens

The young Cameroonian striker's presence was missed against Lille last week. He has recovered from his muscle injury though and is fit to play. The 22 year old is tall and strong but also finds space well. He links particularly well with Gael Kakuta and will be hoping to add to his 7 league goals this season.

Bordeaux V Lens kicks off at 2000 on Sunday 16th May. It will not be shown on any British Television channels.

Dijon V Nantes - Les Canaris in drop zone

Nantes need to win here to have a chance of getting away from the 18th placed relegation play off place. Lose and the 4 teams above them could pull away. There is also the danger of Nimes winning and pushing Les Canaris down to the automatic relegation place. Nantes have been in good form though with three wins on the bounce against teams just above them; Bordeaux, Brest and Strasbourg. If they could have chosen this weeks opponents then they'd surely have chosen the ones they've got. Dijon are bottom and already relegated having won only three games this season. Unless Nantes let nerves get to them I can only see one winner here.

Frenchfooty prediction: Dijon 0 - Nantes 2

One to watch: Ludovic Blas - Nantes

Nantes' young attacking midfielder is their top goalscorer this season with 9 league goals and 3 assists. He is very comfortable on the ball and likes to dribble and take players on. If Nantes score they should win so look for him to create opportunities from the right side of midfield.

Dijon V Nantes kicks off at 2000 on Sunday 16th May. It will not be shown on any British Television channels.

PSG V Reims - Parisiens still going for the title

Well the pressure is on. If PSG don't win and Lille do the title goes to Les Dogues. Paris are three points off the league leaders. They play a Reims side who have little to play for and have not won in 6 games. They are not an easy team to beat but have drawn far too many games this season. Paris should win this particularly with Kylian Mbappe back to full fitness and form. They will also be buoyed by their midweek Cup semi final penalties win over Montpellier in midweek. Pochettino's side will have to keep their heads though after again having another player sent off in the draw at Rennes. Centre back Presnel Kimpembe will be suspended for this game following his sending off last week. Discipline has been a problem for PSG all season and if they don't keep their heads here they could well lose the title.

Frenchfooty prediction: PSG 2 - Reims 1

One to watch: Kylian Mbappe - PSG

Mbappe could be highlighted every week. The leagues top scorer with 25 goals and 7 assists and surely Ligue 1's player of the season. He scored twice in the Cup game midweek, one of which was a sublime run and finish, and seems back to his best after a niggling injury. If he's on form and his teammates keep their discipline then Paris should win.

PSG V Reims kicks off at 2000 on the 16th May 2021. It is live on Bt Sport Extra 2.

Lille V Saint-Étienne - Galtier to win title against old Club?

Is it written in the stars? Christophe Galtier’s table topping Lille side host the club where he spent 8 years as Manager. At Saint Etienne he won La Coupe De La Ligue. At Lille he is very close to winning the title. If his team win here and Paris fail to against Reims then the title goes to Les Lillois. It's a tragedy that there will be no fans at the Stade Pierre Mauroy to see Lille possibly win the title. Would the away fans have been magnanimous in defeat if they saw Lille win the title against them? Galtier remains a popular figure within the industrial town. Well liked by fans and players alike surely he'd have been applauded by Les Verts if the title was won by their old boss? We'll never know but his brand of football is certainly more popular than current Saint-Étienne boss Claude Puels defensive strategy. Puel's pragmatic approach may not please the purists but does have a habit of upsetting the odds. Saint-Étienne have won their last two games away at Montpellier and home to Marseille. Will Puel spoil the party? Lille have a full strength squad to choose from and are showing no signs of nerves with four wins and a draw in the last five games. A win here will be a huge step towards the title no matter what happens at the Parc Des Princes.

Frenchfooty prediction: Saint-Étienne 1 V Lille 3

One to watch: Burak Yilmaz - Lille

The veteran Turkish striker must be the Ligue 1 signing of the season. The Turkish International signed from Besiktas in the summer of 2020 on a free transfer and is Lille's top scorer with 15 league goals and 5 assists. He is finishing the season strongly with 6 goals in the last 6 games, two of which came last week at Lens. The second in that game was an absolute screamer from outside the box.

Saint-Étienne V Lille kicks off at 2000 on the 16th May 2021. It is live on Bt Sport 3.