Ligue 1 goes on as 'act of resistance' to Paris terror attacks
The players and fans of French clubs go into the 14th round of Ligue 1 games with heavy hearts following last Friday's terrorist attacks in Paris which claimed 130 lives.
High-security measures will be in place in all stadiums, and there will be no away fans at games, but the league is determined not to allow the atrocity to take something very important away from those who follow the sport.
"Playing football is an act of resistance in the face of barbarism," French football league (LFP) president Frederic Thiriez told the league's website. "After the pain, after the tears, life must go on. Sports people, just like artists, can set the example."
The national anthem will be played before every match as a mark of respect to the victims of the terror attacks. Paris St Germain have announced their shirts for their next three matches will carry the motto 'Je suis Paris' (I am Paris) underneath the club logo as a tribute to the victims.
Ligue 1 leaders PSG, unbeaten in the domestic competition, play at Lorient on Saturday looking for their eighth consecutive league win. Laurent Blanc's men thrashed Toulouse 5-0 in their previous game to climb 10 points clear of second-placed Lyon after 13 games played.
The league's top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic goes into the encounter at the Stade du Moustoir having led Sweden to qualification for next year's Euro 2016 finals which will be hosted by France.
Ibrahimovic scored both goals in a 2-2 draw in Denmark on Tuesday to give his side a 4-3 aggregate win in the play-off tie. Lorient, seventh in the standings, have lost just once at home and are unbeaten since September 7.
Caen halted a run of three consecutive defeats with a 2-1 win over Guingamp prior to the international break. Patrice Garande's side hosts Angers on Sunday looking to defend third place in the standings.
Caen are two points and one place clear of Angers. Monaco have won just one of their opening six league games at home this season. They host Nantes on Saturday hoping to return to winning ways after a 3-1 defeat at Bordeaux last time out, which was their first loss in all competitions since September.
Marseille have won their last two away games in Ligue 1 but face a stern test at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, where Sunday's opponents St Etienne have won four and lost just one of their opening six home games.
Montpellier take on Reims on Saturday with the aim of recording their fourth straight home victory. Rolland Courbis' side, who have picked up just one point in their opening seven fixtures, beat Nantes 2-1 last time out to remain above the drop zone.
Gazelec Ajaccio's fortunes have improved after a dismal start to the campaign, one that saw them fail to win in their opening 10 games. They visit Corsican rivals Bastia on Saturday on the back of three straight victories.
Bordeaux, with just three draws and no wins on the road this season, play at Rennes on Saturday. Second-bottom Toulouse have mustered just two points away from home and take on Guingamp on Saturday.
Troyes lie at the foot of the standings with no wins after 13 rounds. They host a Lille side on Saturday who have yet to win on the road. Lille, who have won just twice this season, sacked coach Herve Renard during the international break and installed Patrick Collot as their interim manager.
