Hazard Voted French Player Of The Year

Exciting Lille midfielder Eden Hazard has been voted the French Player of the Year by his peers.

The 20-year-old Hazard, who has been the subject of much transfer speculation from Arsenal, Real Madrid and Spurs, was instrumental in Lille winning the double of the Ligue 1 title and Coupe de France this season.

Hazard scored seven goals and created nine assists this season. He made his Lille debut as a 16-year-old and recently signed a new contract with the club until 2015.

Hazard had won the Young Player of the Year over the past two seasons. He won Sunday’s award ahead of teammate Moussa Sow – the league’s top scorer – Lorient forward Kevin Gameiro and Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Nene.

Lille Look To Put Pressure Back On Marseille

Lille are looking to put the pressure back on Ligue 1 leaders Marseille tonight when they host relegated Arles-Avignon. Marseille moved a point clear at the top of the table on Wednesday night thanks to a 4-2 win over OGC Nice. Despite finding themselves in second place with six games left, Lille manager Rudi Garcia insists his men will be fighting hard to secure their first league triumph since 1954.

“It was always going to be likely they went top, but what counts now is how we react,” Garcia said after his side lost the lead for the first time since December.

“Ultimately, we have to win all our matches. But there are six games left and we will have the chance to be leaders again.”

Arles have little to play for on Saturday, after they were condemned to a season in Ligue 2 on April 17 with a 1-0 loss at home to Valenciennes.

But Lille – who were held to a 1-1 draw at Lorient in their last league game – could be without Ligue 1′s top scorer Moussa Sow, who has tendonitis.

Marseille, meanwhile, can expect a tougher examination when they host Auxerre on Sunday.

In tonight’s other games, Lens need three points from their home clash with Lorient if they are to have any hope of avoiding the drop, while fourth-placed Paris Saint Germain host Valenciennes, who are in 12th spot.

Jean Tigana’s Bordeaux side need a win from their trip to Stade Rennes if they are to keep their Europa League hopes alive, while Sochaux take on Nancy looking to put some breathing space between themselves and the relegation zone.

Joining Marseille and Auxerre in action on Sunday, 10th meets 11th when Montpellier play host to Brest, and Caen will hope to move out of the bottom three when they travel to OGC Nice.

Lyon, who are third, will hope to keep the pressure on the leading duo when they visit Toulouse, and Saint-Etienne host struggling Monaco in Sunday’s late game.