Paris (AFP)

Nantes open the sixth day of Ligue 1 Friday in Strasbourg with the hope of keeping his place on the podium despite the threat of Marseille, boosted by his happy trip to Monaco (4-3) last weekend.

Sunday, the leader Paris SG will want to extend the party of Wednesday against Real Madrid (3-0), on the occasion of a risky trip to the field of Lyon, another "European" who has not experienced the same fortune against Zenit St. Petersburg (1-1), Tuesday.

Before this poster, Nantes will therefore launch the ball of the contenders to the podium, from the top of his surprising third place, against a team from Strasbourg always looking for his first national victory this season.

The Canaries can even take the lead - at least temporarily - if successful in Alsace.

Being in the leading group "improves the serenity and the working atmosphere", welcomed the coach Christian Gourcuff, aware that "we must remain lucid" because the team "can still progress".

In Alsace, the test promises to be tough against Strasbourg residents renowned for the physical challenge they impose on their opponents, and who can count on the unconditional support of the public of the Meinau.

And this support is more than ever necessary to the men of Thierry Laurey, stuck in 18th place with only three points in the wallet.

- Monaco, SOS defense -

In the same situation, the second-to-last Monaco (2 pts) must absolutely recover after a failed start, despite the summer recruitment XXL incarnated by Wissam Ben Yedder and Islam Slimani.

The French striker and the Algerian international (uncertain Reims Saturday) have shine in front of the opposing goals, the defense of the Rock crumbles in every game. It is also the worst of the championship, statistically, with 14 goals conceded in 5 games.

Last weekend, the ASM fell again at home in front of OM, now fourth on points with Nantes and Rennes ahead of a better goal difference.

At the Vélodrome on Saturday, Marseille coach André Villas-Boas could make changes to fit the profile of Montpellier, a team "very well organized," he explained to the press. A rotation could benefit Japanese defender Hiroki Sakai, absent in Monaco to treat a pain in a calf.

Program of the 6th day of Ligue 1:

Friday, September 20th

(8:45 pm) Strasbourg - Nantes

Saturday, September 21st

(17h30) Marseille - Montpellier

(8 pm) Metz - Amiens

Bordeaux - Brest

Nice - Dijon

Nîmes - Toulouse

Reims - Monaco

Sunday, September 22

(3 pm) Rennes - Lille

(5 pm) Angers - Saint-Etienne

(9 pm) Lyon - Paris SG

© 2019 AFP