LIVE STREAM: Aix-en-Provence Argonautes (4-2) v. Thonon-les-bains Black Panthers (4-3); 2p CET, 8a EST

In a key game as the fight for playoff spots really begins to heat up this weekend in France, the Thonon Black Panthers, currently in fourth in the standings at 4-3 in the FFFA Elite, travel to Aix to meet the second place Aix-en-Provence Argonautes (4-2).

With only three games left in the season, this is a must win contest for both clubs. This is the second meeting this year between these two teams. On March 14, the host Black Panthers thrashed the Argos 41-13 after taking a 27-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

However,the defending champion Black Panthers have struggled at times this season and find themselves battling just to make the playoffs. A win could at least put them in third depending on the outcome of today’s game between the Nice Dauphins and the Nimes Centurions. Should the Argonautes pull out the win they would have a firm hold on second while Thonon  would suddenly face the prospect of finishing out of the playoffs.

The Flash’s decisive 37-6 victory over the Elancourt Templiers Saturday  makes the playoff picture even tougher to predict. La Courneuve have leapfrogged Elancourt into fifth, right behind Thonon.

Right now only one team is safe and that is the undefeated (6-0-1) Saint-Ouen Cougars. 

Watch the game live here. Kickoff 2 PM local French time, 8 AM EDT.