Match Preview: Lyon vs Marseille

The Ligue 1 Matchday 3 fixture between Lyon and Marseille is scheduled for August 31 at the Groupama Stadium (Parc Olympique Lyonnais). This article provides a comprehensive prediction and betting tips, including odds and statistics for the “Olympico” derby.

Lyon’s Dominant Start

After two rounds, Lyon has seized the top spot in the French Championship standings. The team has secured two clean-sheet victories, defeating Lens (1-0) and Metz (3-0). Notably, Lyon is one of only four clubs in the current Ligue 1 season to have won two matches without conceding, and they lead their rivals due to a superior goal difference. These recent wins extend their resolute streak in the championship to 17 matches (11 wins, 6 losses). Furthermore, Lyon has maintained a clean sheet in Ligue 1 for three consecutive matches, a feat they last achieved in December 2023.  

• The team has scored at least twice in 13 of their last 17 encounters in the French top flight.
• At home, Lyon has won 6 of their last 7 Ligue 1 matches (1 loss).
• At least 3 goals have been scored in 8 of Lyon’s last 9 home games in the league.

Lyon’s Provisional Starting Line-up (4-5-1)*

Remy Descamps – Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Clinton Mata, Moussa Niakhate, Abner – Tyler Morton, Tanner Tessmann, Corentin Tolisso, Malick Fofana, Pavel Schulz.

Marseille’s Mixed Fortunes

After a disappointing loss while having a numerical advantage against Rennes (0-1) at the start of the season, Marseille bounced back with a dominant 5-2 victory over Paris FC in the previous round. This win improved their league position, moving them up to 7th place. The club has demonstrated high scoring ability, netting at least three goals in 5 of their last 7 Ligue 1 matches, winning all five of those games. However, their defense has been less consistent, conceding in 12 consecutive matches in the French elite league. Additionally, Marseille’s away form has been poor, with 5 losses in their last 7 Ligue 1 road games (1 win, 1 draw).  

• Both teams have scored in 9 of Marseille’s last 11 matches in the French Championship.
• The team has opened the scoring in 5 of their last 7 matches in this tournament.
• Away from home, Marseille has failed to keep a clean sheet in 7 consecutive Ligue 1 matches, conceding exactly 3 goals in 4 of them.

Marseille’s Provisional Starting Line-up (4-5-1)*

Geronimo Rulli – Amir Murillo, CJ Egan-Riley, Leonardo Balerdi, Ulisses Garcia – Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Angel Gomes, Timothy Weah, Amine Gouiri, Mason Greenwood – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The Referee

François Letexier (France)

Matches officiated – 15 (Ligue 1, 2024/25–2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 47;

Average yellow cards per match – 3.1;

Red cards shown – 7;

Average fouls per match – 20;

Penalties awarded – 20%.

Match Prediction: Lyon vs Marseille

Both “Olympico” teams approach this highly anticipated clash in high spirits. The hosts are leading the league table after two matches, while Marseille secured a convincing victory in their last outing, significantly improving their standing. These fierce rivals are traditionally strong in attack, a trend they continue this Ligue 1 season, with Lyon scoring 4 goals and Marseille currently leading the league as the highest-scoring team with 5 goals. Their head-to-head encounters are often high-scoring affairs, with at least 3 goals netted in 6 of their last 8 league meetings. Both matches last season in Ligue 1 ended with a 3-2 scoreline, with Marseille emerging victorious on both occasions.   However, neither team is known for consistent results, which further supports focusing on the total goals market for betting. I have no doubt that this upcoming match will deliver an exciting spectacle with plenty of goals. This isn’t just limited to their direct confrontations; at least 3 goals have been scored in 8 of Lyon’s last 9 home matches and in 5 of Marseille’s last 7 away games in Ligue 1. Given their potent attacks and somewhat vulnerable defenses, I fully expect both clubs to find the back of the net.   Therefore, my prediction is: “Both Teams to Score – Yes and Over 2.5 Goals” with odds of 1.80   * The starting line-up for each team is based on their last match in this tournament.