Prediction: Marseille vs PSG

Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

In what promises to be a heavyweight showdown at the top of the Ligue 1 table, PSG will travel to the Stade Velodrome when they meet Marseille.

Marseille

Starting with the hosts, while Marseille might have been hugely frustrated last season as they missed out on booking a lucrative European return, they have only continued on a sensational rise since Roberto De Zerbi’s arrival over the summer. Marking their return from October’s international break with a major statement as they stormed their way to a 5-0 romp away at Montpellier, the former Brighton boss should find the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Opening this weekend’s fixtures sat just three points adrift of climbing to the top of the Ligue 1 table, Marseille will be looking to collect a heavyweight scalp on Sunday night. Getting proceedings underway on August 17th with a stunning 5-1 win against Brest, De Zerbi’s side have suffered just a single defeat from any of their first eight Ligue 1 showdowns so far this season.

Team News

While Neal Maupay might have missed out against Montpellier last weekend, the ex-Everton striker is free to return to De Zerbi’s squad on Sunday night. However, still dealing with respective injury issues, Marseille will once again be without the likes of Valentin Carboni, Ruben Blanco and Moroccan youngster Bilal Nadir.

Already notching six Ligue 1 strikes since arriving from Old Trafford on a permanent basis over the summer, controversial former Manchester United star Mason Greenwood will play a leading role in the final third. Completing a stunning free switch last month, French international Adrien Rabiot will feature against his former club here.

PSG

As for the visitors, while PSG might have mounted a Champions League comeback earlier in the week as they eventually snatched a 1-1 stalemate at home against Dutch outfit PSV, Luis Enrique’s side are in the midst of what has been a worrying rut. Despite marking their return from October’s international break with an action-packed 4-2 victory against Strasbourg, they have registered just a pair of wins from any of their previous six appearances across all competitions. Opening October with a routine 2-0 defeat at the hands of Premier League giants Arsenal, Sunday’s guests have also continued to show some glaring defensive struggles. In fact, PSG have recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their previous nine consecutive matchups across all fronts. Only holding a three-point buffer over the chasing pack, Enrique’s side could have a tough challenge on their hands here.

Team News

Still dealing with a long-term knee injury and yet to make a single appearance across any competition so far this season, PSG will once again be without French international Lucas Hernandez. Likewise, former Benfica marksman Goncalo Ramos remains a major doubt ahead of Sunday’s showdown.

Recording four Ligue 1 strikes so far this season, South Korean international Kang-In Lee should once again be deployed in a false nine role. Arriving from Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt over the summer, Ecuador defender Willian Pacho will partner Marquinhos at the back.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Marseille and PSG last met back on March 31st, Enrique’s side collected a 2-0 victory at the Stade Velodrome.
• The defending champions have won five of their previous six meetings against Sunday’s hosts.
• However, PSG have recorded just two wins from any of their previous six appearances across all competitions.
• Including a 5-0 romp against Montpellier last weekend, Marseille have lost just one of their first eight Ligue 1 appearances so far this season.
• PSG have recorded just a single clean sheet on their travels since the end of March.

Conclusion

While PSG might open Sunday’s showdown pencilled in as a standout contender, the defending champions will certainly have a real challenge on their hands this weekend. Winning just a pair of their previous six appearances across all competitions and mustering just a single clean sheet on their travels since the end of March, a high-flying Marseille could be smelling the chance to collect a heavyweight scalp at the Stade Velodrome.

Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Luckster