Bitesize Prediction: Marseille vs Metz – 09/02/24

Competition: Ligue 1

Market: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to score anytime

Odds: 6/5 @ BetUS

Desperate to make a welcomed return to winning ways on Friday night, Marseille will welcome Metz to the Stade Velodrome.

Starting with the hosts, while Marseille might have signed off 2023 in the midst of an eye-catching boost, Gennaro Gattuso’s side have struggled to find much stability over recent times. Crashing out of the Coupe de France last month following penalties heartbreak away at Rennes, the former AC Milan boss has seen his squad fail to win any of their previous five showdowns against top-flight opposition. However, desperate to make up some ground in the European chase this weekend, Marseille will be excited by their continued success at the Stade Velodrome. Including a stellar 3-0 victory against Lyon, Gattuso’s men are unbeaten in all of their 14 home fixtures across all competitions so far this season. Although Les Phoceens might be enduring their longest winless rut since the start of October, the French giants should be smelling a real opportunity on Friday night. While Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang might have notched just a single Ligue 1 strike over the past month, the ex-Arsenal skipper will be looking to extend on his tally here.

As for the visitors, while Metz might have made their Ligue 1 return this season, the Maroons are facing a real uphill battle to keep hold of their top-flight status. Last seen getting hit with a costly 2-1 loss at home against Lorient, Laszlo Boloni’s men have lost all of their previous eight straight meetings against Ligue 1 opposition – a run that stems back to November 26th. Opening Friday’s showdown sat three points adrift in the relegation play-off spot, the Lorraine-based outfit have certainly gained a reputation for their extended issues at the back. Signing off 2023 with a routine 3-1 drumming at the hands of defending champions PSG, Metz hold the third-worst defensive tally among France’s elite. It should also be noted, Boloni’s side have lost all of their last three away fixtures by an aggregate score of 6-2. Although Marseille might find themselves in the midst of a recent rut, Les Phoceens are rightfully tipped as a standout contender.

Bet: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to score anytime against Metz 6/5 for Friday’s Ligue 1 matchup @ BetUS