The five-time league champions are winless since their return from the interval.

Their miserable start was compounded last weekend by their third loss of 2007 at the hands of lowly Troyes.

Lyon sporting director Bernard Lacombe insisted that the drop in form was a result of their efforts early in the season and remains confident that they can build on their 11-point margin at the top of the table Saturday as they host Lorient, currently seventh.

"The winter break really harmed us," said Lacombe.

"The internationals didn't have a real break. The players haven't all of a sudden become terrible. We had a 17-point lead at one point which was inhuman and now everyone is saying we're useless. There's a middle ground.

"We'll still be the champions. The players are more than capable of turning the situation around.

"Saturday against Lorient, the stadium will be packed with our fans, who will be behind our players as they have been in easier times."

Despite Lacombe's confidence, Lyon will be missing several key players with Portuguese midfielder Tiago and central defender Cris suspended, and set to be replaced by Brazilians Fabio Santos and Claudio Cacapa.

Midfielder Jeremy Toulalan returned from training with the French national team with a thigh injury, and he could be replaced by Swede Kim Kallstrom.

Striker Milan Baros is uncertain after picking up a calf injury playing for the Czech Republic against Belgium.

Lille, who dropped to third last week a point behind Lens, will be looking to make up ground when they travel to midtable Toulouse.

Lens face a trickier task Sunday when they host Sochaux, sitting fifth and just four points behind them.

Resurgent Marseille, in fourth despite being held last week by PSG, travel to ninth-placed Bordeaux Sunday, where they haven't won since 1977.

"Half of my players weren't even born then," said Marseille coach Albert Emon, who remains wary despite the fact that Bordeaux, last year's runners-up, have blown hot and cold this season.

"Bordeaux used the winter break to bring in South American players to reinforce the team. This team will finish well in the championships," predicted Emon.

Marseille striker Mickael Pagis is expecting a classic.

"This is an important match for both our teams. It's true that if we could win there it would be a great coup for us," said Pagis.

At the other end of the table, PSG, fourth from bottom, and Nantes, one point behind, are both looking to avoid the drop and host Monaco and Valenciennes respectively.

Troyes, fifth from bottom after their heroics against Lyon, travel to second-from-bottom Nice, while Auxerre host St Etienne, Nancy travel to Rennes and Le Mans host bottom-side Sedan.