Prediction: Marseille vs Monaco

Verdict: Over 2,5 goals – yes

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: 888sport

Two of the top teams in the Ligue 1 this season will collide on Sunday, as Olympique Marseille and Monaco will try to take another step towards the top spot in the standings. Reaching PSG is not going to be easy, but a win here could create some much-needed separation on the race for a UEFA Champions League berth. Kick-off is scheduled at 20:00 BST.

Marseille

Marseille sit third in the Ligue 1 standings with 47 points, but they have been clicking in all cylinders of late. The team is riding a six-game winning streak across all competition, and they have won their last four Ligue 1 matches as well. They are coming off a 2-0 away win against Caen, but Monaco will certainly represent a bigger test for them. If successful, Marseille could certainly reap benefits since they could move up to second place in the standings as long as Lyon do not win their Sunday contest. But there is no question the team is on the right track. Will they be able to take another step towards a Champions League berth against a direct opponent such as Monaco?

Team News

Marseille should not have many absentees ahead of this game.

Gregory Sertic (undisclosed) and Jordan Amavi (thigh) are both out, though. This means the defence will be slightly depleted entering this contest.

AS Monaco

Monaco are not riding on such a good form as Marseille, but they have been pretty good as well. They are unbeaten in their last five Ligue 1 matches, winning three and drawing two over that span, and while they sit in fourth place, all they need is a win in this game to move up to third place. They will have a few absences ahead of this game and the defence could be depleted, so the attacking line will need to be at their best and that is where Falcao comes in. The Colombian striker has been on top form this season and already has 16 goals. Will he lead a semi-depleted Monaco team to a huge win on the road against a direct opponent on the race for a Champions League spot next season?

Team News

Monaco will be considerably depleted ahead of this game. They already have two confirmed absences in Julien Serrano (ankle) and Adama Traore (groin) are already injured.

To make things even more complicated, three other players might miss out. Adama Diakhaby (thigh), Jemerson (thigh) and Jorge (knee) are doubtful. All three will require a late-fitness test to determine their availability.

Key Factors to Consider

• Marseille have a clear edge when playing at home. They register 21 wins against 14 draws and 11 losses in 46 previous meetings at Stade Velodrome.
• Furthermore, Olympique are having a great run of results in recent weeks since they have won their last six games across all competitions.
• There have been over 2.5 goals in the last seven matches between the two sides in all competitions. The last time they played, Monaco won 6-1 in August last year.
• Both sides are separated by just one point in the Ligue 1 standings. Whoever wins will move into the zone of direct qualification for the UEFA Champions League next season.
• Monaco have the second-best attack in the Ligue 1 with 51 goals. 16 of those have been scored by Radamel Falcao.

Conclusion

The last time these two sides met there were seven goals scored, and there have been seven straight games with over 2.5 goals between these two.

That tendency should not change here, especially considering what is at stake. Expect both teams to score plenty of goals, as the game should easily feature at least three goals overall.

Verdict: Over 2,5 goals – yes

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: 888sport