Match Overview: Marseille vs Paris FC

This highly anticipated Ligue 1 Matchday 2 fixture between Olympique Marseille and Paris FC is scheduled for August 23rd at the iconic Stade Vélodrome. Both teams will be looking to make an early statement in the new season.

Olympique Marseille Analysis

Marseille kicked off their new Ligue 1 campaign with a disappointing 0-1 away loss to Rennes. This defeat brought an end to their impressive five-match unbeaten streak in the French championship, which included four wins and one draw. It also halted a five-game scoring run in the competition. Interestingly, the last time Marseille began a Ligue 1 season with a defeat was back in 2019/20, a season where they ultimately finished second. Despite this, they proved to be a formidable home side last season, ranking seventh among the best home clubs in France, remaining undefeated in 14 of their 17 home fixtures (10 wins, 4 draws).

Marseille’s Key Statistics

• Both teams have scored in 8 of Marseille’s last 10 Ligue 1 matches.
• At least 3 goals were scored in 8 of the team’s last 10 games in this tournament.
• Marseille has secured victories in 7 of their last 8 home championship encounters (with just 1 loss).

Olympique Marseille’s Predicted Lineup (4-5-1)*

Geronimo Rulli – CJ Egan-Riley, Leonardo Balerdi, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Amir Murillo – Angel Gomes, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Mason Greenwood, Adrien Rabiot, Jonathan Rowe – Amine Gouiri.

Paris FC Analysis

The capital club also faced a 0-1 defeat in their inaugural match following their return to the French top flight, losing to Angers. It’s worth recalling that Paris FC concluded their previous Ligue 2 season with an impressive seven-match unbeaten streak, comprising five wins and two draws. Similar to Marseille, their seven-game scoring run in the second-tier French league was also snapped. Furthermore, Paris FC finished as the second-best away team in the last Ligue 2 season, avoiding defeat in 12 out of 17 matches (8 wins, 4 draws).

Paris FC’s Key Statistics

• No more than 2 goals were scored in 5 of the club’s last 7 matches in the second-tier French championship.
• Paris FC has failed to win in 7 of their last 10 away matches across Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 (2 draws, 5 losses).
• The Parisians have conceded goals in their last 7 away fixtures in both the first and second French leagues.

Paris FC’s Predicted Lineup (4-4-2)*

Obe Nkambadio – Samir Chergui, Moustapha Mbow, Timothée Kolodziejczak, Noah Sangui – Loann Doucet, Ilan Kebbal, Julien Lopez, Moses Simon – Jean-Philippe Krasso, Pierre-Yves Hamel. The team has strengthened its squad with the addition of goalkeeper Kevin Trapp, who has transferred from Eintracht.

Referee Overview

Marc Bollengier (France)

Matches – 18 (Ligue 1, 2024/25);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 95;

Average yellow cards per match – 3.3;

Red cards shown – 6;

Average fouls per match – 26;

Penalties awarded – 28%.

Match Prediction: Olympique Marseille vs Paris FC

Both teams suffered 0-1 defeats in their opening league fixtures. Notably, Marseille’s loss to Rennes was particularly frustrating as they played with a man advantage for nearly two-thirds of the match. Furthermore, internal issues have surfaced, with reports of a locker room conflict between Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe following that game. As a result, both players have been reportedly transfer-listed and suspended from training. Paris FC, on the other hand, arguably deserved more from their loss to Angers, having largely dominated possession and play during the encounter.

Anticipating a High-Scoring Encounter

Following their disappointing season openers, both teams will be eager to bounce back, suggesting an open and attacking match. Statistical evidence supports the expectation of a high-scoring affair. Last season, Marseille’s Ligue 1 matches averaged 3.6 goals, while Paris FC’s Ligue 2 games saw an average of 2.6 goals per match. Additionally, Marseille has been particularly prolific in front of goal in their home Ligue 1 fixtures, scoring at least three goals in 6 of their last 8 matches. However, they also conceded in all 8 of those games, highlighting potential defensive vulnerabilities.

Final Betting Tip

Considering Paris FC’s strong attacking talent, I believe Marseille will struggle to keep a clean sheet in this match. I anticipate a high-scoring game where both teams find the back of the net. Therefore, my final prediction is “Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams to Score – Yes”. * The starting lineup for each team is based on their last match in this tournament.