After a midweek batch of games, Ligue 1 resumes action this weekend. As things stand, PSG are well and comfortably ahead of the chasing pack, with a whopping 12 point gap over second-placed Marseille. Is the title race over already, or can any of the teams start to close that monumental gap?
Here's all you need to know ahead of matchday 17.
Ligue 1 standings heading into matchday 17
Here's how the table looks ahead of matchday 17.
Ligue 1 games you won't want to miss on matchday 17
Marseille vs Brest: Marseille come into their game with a game in hand after seeing their recent clash with Lyon abruptly postponed due to a failure by Lyon to control their fans. Since then Jorge Sampaoli's side have won their last two Ligue 1 games, both by narrow margins of 1-0. They sit in second spot, 12 points behind PSG and while at this point in time, it seems like Les Parisiens have a very unassailable lead, anything theoretically could happen between now and the end of the season.
Historically, Marseille have an excellent record against upcoming opponents Brest. To date, they've never lost at home to their upcoming opponents, with ten wins and two draws thus far in Ligue 1, while they've outscored Les Pirates 26 goals to eight. That being said, Brest have been in excellent form lately, and will come into this match having won all five of their past Ligue 1 games - making this a potentially tricky test for Sampaoli's men.
Lille vs Troyes: It's been a tough season for reigning Ligue 1 champs Lille, who recently ended their four game winless streak with a win midweek. Les Dogues sit in 11th, with 21 points, making their title defense pretty much over at this point, but they still do have a chance to secure European football for next season if they can get themselves organized. Next up for them will be a home clash against Troyes, who also ended a four game winless streak with a victory last time out. Current Ligue 1 top goalscorer Jonathan David, who has ten goals so far this term, will again be the go-to player as Lille look to make it back to back wins this weekend.
Lens vs PSG: PSG's winning run came to a screeching halt as Les Parisiens were held to a very frustrating scoreless stalemate with Nice midweek. It's the first time Mauricio Pochettino's side failed to score in Ligue 1 since failing to get a way past Marseille during another scoreless draw in October's Classique clash. The visitors will have to make do without key man Neymar, who suffered an ankle injury, and Lionel Messi fans will hope to see the former Barcelona star really start to get up and running - especially following his controversial win at this year's Ballon d'Or prize ceremony.
Since arriving in Paris, Messi has really failed to hit the same heights he did at Barcelona, and in fact has scored just one Ligue 1 goal so far this season. Could this present the perfect opportunity for him to grab a goal or two after failing to have any impact during the clash with Nice? In addition, PSG will be pleased to welcome first-choice goalkeeper Keylor Navas back into the fold after the former Real Madrid man was suspended last time out.
Monaco vs Metz: Injuries have really taken its toll for Monaco, as Les Rouges-et-Blancs have struggled to find their footing this season. However, Niko Kovac's side, who finished in third last season, did earn a midweek win to end their four game winless run. Now, they will welcome relegation-threatened Metz, who have seen their fortunes take another hit after losing midweek, which ended their four match unbeaten streak. Will Monaco be able to take advantage of this and continue to close the gap on the teams in the European football spots?
Team news for matchday 17
Here's who's out or in doubt for matchday 17
*All info as of 2 December 2021
PSG: Julian Draxler (Muscle Injury), Neymar (Sprained ankle)
Marseille: Cengiz Ünder (Back Injury)
Lyon: Jeff Reine-Adélaïde (Cruciate Ligament Rupture), Lenny Pintor (Cruciate Ligament Rupture)
Lille: No injuries or suspensions
Monaco: Cesc Fàbregas (Hamstring Injury), Jean Marcelin (Torn Muscle Fibre), Krépin Diatta (Cruciate Ligament Rupture)
Nice: Youcef Atal (Adductor problems)
