Prediction: Lens vs Marseille

3rd April 2011

Lens boosted their survival chances with an unlikely victory over Montpellier, but les Sang et Or remain one of the main candidates for the drop. Marseille continued the great run of results as they beat fierce rivals PSG at home and now need a victory in order to remain in the Ligue 1 title race.

Having largely exceeded expectations last season, Lens were expected to avoid the relegation fight this term as it appeared the club have done a good job in the summer transfer window. Nonetheless, les Sang et Or started the season very slowly and after finding themselves in the relegation zone they started feeling the pressure, which prevented them from showing all they’ve got. Lens continued the poor run of form going into the final stage of the league campaign and despite the shock victory over Montpellier, they are now five points behind safety. Seeing that they now need a victory against probably the best team in the league, this is definitely not the situation they would like to be in. The hosts also face certain selection problems as first choice keeper Vedran Runje is a major doubt after picking up injury on international duty, whereas Pollet, Queudrue, Monrose and Situ are out injured.

Marseille experienced certain problems at the start of the season as they were struggling to cope with the busy schedule but as the season progressed Didier Deschamps’ side kept raising their form, with OM on top of their game during the last few weeks. The two games against Manchester United proved Marseille have really progressed this season as the Red Devils needed to put in a lot of effort to eliminate the French side, while OM continued the rich vein of form in Ligue 1, where they are still fighting with Lille for the league title. The impressive run of 6 wins in last 7 league games saw Marseille climb to the second place in the standings and after playmaker Lucho Gonzalez has regained full fitness, everything suggests they will continue the great run. Souleymane Diawara and Cesar Azpilicueta are out through suspension and injury respectively.

Conclusion

Lens’ victory over Montpellier was clearly a one-off result and everybody can see they don’t have enough quality to match a side like Marseille. OM have been in great form of late and with Lucho Gonzalez back to the side, they are hot favourites to win this game.

Verdict: Away win Marseille (2)

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: Victor Chandler