The international break is finally over, meaning the action is set to resume in Europe's top leagues. Ligue 1 will be one of the first major top-flight divisions to return to action, with the latest round in France set to get underway as early as Friday.
The excitement will waste no time in getting started as Lille's interesting showdown against Monaco kicks off Matchday 14 in Ligue 1 as the two French heavyweights, who unfortunately sit mid-table, look to climb up the standings. League leaders PSG will be called into action in Saturday's early fixture as the table-toppers look to add to their advantage. Unfortunately, Pochettino's side could welcome back one key player but lose another to injury – more on that later.
Second-placed Lens, who have won four out of their last six matches, will resume their campaign on Saturday as Franck Haise's side aim to continue their excellent season. Marseille, who have triumphed only once in their last six outings across all competitions, will be keen on returning to winning ways. Unfortunately, a tricky test awaits Sampaoli's side. Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming round in Ligue 1.
League standings ahead of Matchday 14 games in Ligue 1
| Pos. | Team | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | P | Form | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PSG | 31 | 20 | 10 | 1 | 76 | 29 | +47 | 70 | DWWDW | |
| 2 | Monaco | 32 | 18 | 7 | 7 | 62 | 42 | +20 | 61 | WLWWW | |
| 3 | Brest | 33 | 16 | 10 | 7 | 50 | 34 | +16 | 58 | DDWLL | |
| 4 | Lille | 32 | 15 | 10 | 7 | 48 | 31 | +17 | 55 | LWLWW | |
| 5 | Nice | 32 | 15 | 9 | 8 | 37 | 25 | +12 | 54 | WWDWD | |
| 6 | Lens | 32 | 14 | 7 | 11 | 42 | 34 | +8 | 49 | WLWLD | |
| 7 | Olympique Lyonnais | 32 | 14 | 5 | 13 | 46 | 54 | -8 | 47 | WWLWW | |
| 8 | Rennes | 32 | 12 | 9 | 11 | 51 | 43 | +8 | 45 | WLWLL | |
| 9 | Olympique Marseille | 31 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 47 | 38 | +9 | 44 | WDDLL | |
| 10 | Reims | 32 | 11 | 8 | 13 | 39 | 46 | -7 | 41 | DLLLD | |
| 11 | Montpellier | 32 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 41 | 44 | -3 | 40 | WDWDW | |
| 12 | Toulouse | 32 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 39 | 42 | -3 | 40 | LWDWD | |
| 13 | Strasbourg | 32 | 9 | 9 | 14 | 35 | 47 | -12 | 36 | LLLWD | |
| 14 | Nantes | 32 | 9 | 6 | 17 | 29 | 49 | -20 | 33 | DDLWL | |
| 15 | Le Havre | 33 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 33 | 43 | -10 | 32 | LWDLL | |
| 16 | Metz | 32 | 8 | 5 | 19 | 34 | 54 | -20 | 29 | LLWWL | |
| 17 | Lorient | 32 | 6 | 8 | 18 | 37 | 63 | -26 | 26 | LLLLL | |
| 18 | Clermont | 32 | 5 | 10 | 17 | 26 | 54 | -28 | 25 | LWLDD |
Top games to watch on Matchday 14 games in Ligue 1
Monaco vs Lille: Two of France's biggest clubs lock horns in round 14's first game. However, Monaco and Lille head into this tie on the back of poor form, with the two sides sitting in 11th and 12th, respectively. The home side boast two wins from their last five matches while the visitors have triumphed only once in as many outings. Les Dogues have managed only one victory in their last six trips to the Stade Louis II and will thus be keen on ending their poor run. Do not miss this fixture!
PSG vs Nantes: Les Parisiens finally return to the pitch, with PSG taking on Nantes in Saturday's early kick-off. Their 3-2 victory over Bordeaux meant the Ligue 1 table-toppers entered the international break with a 10-point lead at the top, one they will be keen on stretching to 13 should their closest rivals slip up.
Lionel Messi, who had an injury issue, played during the international break, much to the annoyance of the French giants, meaning he could feature this weekend. Furthermore, Sergio Ramos has been progressing well and could make his debut. However, Pochettino will have one eye on the midweek showdown with Man City in the UEFA Champions League.
Lyon vs Marseille: Sampaoli's side have won only once in their last four league games and, as a result, have fallen down the table. Guendouzi and Co. currently reside in fourth, having been overtaken by Nice, albeit on goal difference alone as both sides are tied on 23 points. Nonetheless, PSG have moved 11 points clear, meaning Marseille have tremendous ground to make up for if they wish to give their Classique rivals a run for the title.
Lyon, meanwhile, are in seventh, having lost two and drawn two in their last six league outings. On top of that, Aouar and Co. had a horrible start to the campaign, and as a result, Les Gones currently find themselves three points behind a European spot.
Who's in and who's out for Matchday 14 games in Ligue 1?
Monaco: Cesc Fabregas and Radoslaw Majecki (out); Eliot Matazo (doubtful)
Lille: Sven Botman and Leo Jardim (injured); Amadou Onana (suspended)
PSG: Neymar, Verratti, Kimpembe, Draxler and Rafinha
Lyon: Léo Dubois
Rennes: Jeremy Doku, Jonas Martin, and Jeremy Gelin (injured); Kamal-Deen Sulemana (suspended)
Montpellier: Matheus Thuler, Pedro Mendes, and Thibault Tamas (injured); Jordan Ferri (suspended)
