Vitorino Hilton has urged Montpellier not to think about the bigger picture as the Ligue 1 leaders prepare to travel to Toulouse on Friday night.

Victory at a venue where they are unbeaten in their last 11 visits would extend Montpellier's lead over Paris St Germain to five points before the capital side take on Lille on Sunday.

Rene Girard's side have dropped only five points at home all season but have won just once in their last five away games, and Hilton admitted pressure is playing its part.

"Of course it is," he said. "We are nearing the end of the season but we know we are still capable of achieving a lot of good things.

"From a personal point of view, there is no pressure. I am aware that this is an extraordinary end to the season for us. We need to avoid listening to what is being said in the media, and not worry about the expectation of the fans who want the title."

Toulouse are also in need of the points as they chase Europa League football, and coach Alain Casanova vented his frustration last week after his team lost to Evian.

That result came only a matter of days after they had defeated Lyon 3-0, and the manager said: "We can almost touch Europe with our fingertips - and to qualify would be marvellous - but we cannot lack desire, spirit or drive."

Hilton, meanwhile, feels playing a team also under pressure is a positive for Montpellier.

"It is better to be playing Toulouse, who have something to play for," he added. "Toulouse are chasing Europe and showed against Lyon how good a team they are."

Montpellier welcome back Jamel Saihi from suspension but Joris Marveaux (thigh) could miss the game while for Toulouse Etienne Didot (knee) and Serge Aurier (ankle) miss out but Franck Tabanou is available after a ban.