Sub-leading Lens and third-placed Rennes will visit Nice and Reims, respectively, today at the end of the 16th round of French soccer, with their sights set on victories that will keep them in those positions.

Havana, December 29 (RHC)-- Sub-leading Lens and third-placed Rennes will visit Nice and Reims, respectively, today at the end of the 16th round of French soccer, with their sights set on victories that will keep them in those positions.

In the last matches of the year in Ligue 1, which will play its 17th matchday on January 1 and 2, surprising Lens (36 points) will be looking to cut into the lead of PSG (44), who won 2-1 at Strasbourg thanks to a penalty goal by Kylian Mbappé seconds before the final whistle and with a numerical disadvantage due to Neymar's sending-off.

However, the Blood and Gold will have a tough opponent in Nice (20), a team that made important signings ahead of the season and has gradually improved its soccer after a disappointing start.

Both clubs will have several confirmed absentees for tonight, but the visitors will be able to field their attacking trident of Lois Openda (seven goals), Florian Sotoca (six) and Wesley Said (five), while for the home side, striker Andy Delort (five) is a doubt.

For their part, Rennes (31 points), occupying the third place, which allows them to dream of access to the Champions League, will face a more discreet opponent, Reims, eleventh with 17 points.

Matchday 16 of Ligue 1 will also include Olympique de Marseille (30)-Toulouse (16) and Lorient (28)-Montpellier (14).