Lyon — Marseille : Match Preview and Prediction for August 31,2025

Lyon’s Current Season Performance

Lyon has been navigating the complex challenges that emerged last season quite commendably so far. It was only this summer that reports indicated a potential relegation to Ligue 2 due to significant financial hurdles. However, through effective leadership and strategic moves, the club not only retained its elite status but also secured a coveted spot in the Europa League.

Initial Matches and Key Player Impact

The home team has completed two fixtures in the national championship, remarkably keeping clean sheets in both. Their campaign started with a hard-fought 1-0 away victory against Lens, followed by a dominant 3-0 thrashing of Metz at home.

Malick Fofana’s Early Impact

A standout performer in these opening two matches was Malick Fofana, who directly contributed to two goals, scoring one and providing an assist.

Departures and Squad Depth Concerns

Regrettably, despite this encouraging start, a potential decline could be on the horizon. Merely days after Georges Mikautadze scored the decisive goal against Lens, he was transferred to Villarreal. The club also had to bid farewell to Saül Kumbedi, who departed for Wolfsburg. These player sales are a direct consequence of Lyon’s ongoing financial difficulties.

Long-Term Outlook for Lyon

It remains uncertain how the team will cope moving forward. Relying on a consistent starting eleven with limited depth on the bench might eventually lead to fatigue, as their current energy levels are not inexhaustible.

Team News: Lyon Injuries

Manager Paulo Fonseca will face this upcoming fixture without three key players: Nuamah, Mangala, and Molebe, all unavailable due to injury or suspension.

Marseille’s Season Start: Unexpected Challenges

Following a second-place finish in the previous Ligue 1 campaign and an impressive undefeated run in seven pre-season matches, expectations were high for Marseille to commence the current season with unwavering confidence. However, their start has proven to be quite the opposite.

Game Highlights and New Signings

Despite dominating possession and control in their first away match against Rennes, Roberto De Zerbi’s men suffered a 0-1 defeat. In their subsequent encounter at the Vélodrome, against newcomers Paris FC, the match was a rollercoaster of events, ending in a 5-2 victory for Marseille. The hosts initially established a 2-0 lead, only for Paris to unexpectedly claw their way back. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang delivered a stellar debut performance, netting twice and earning a penalty.

Key Player Acquisitions and Departures

This summer saw no truly significant departures, aside from the sales of Luiz Henrique to Inter and Quentin Merlin, who now plies his trade for Rennes. Conversely, the club made several intriguing acquisitions. Beyond Aubameyang, noteworthy additions include Igor Paixao (from Feyenoord), Timothy Weah (on loan from Juventus), Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (from Tottenham), and Facundo Medina (from Lens).

Marseille Squad Updates and Absences

The Italian head coach faces a challenging situation with numerous players unavailable for this match: Medina, Paixao, Blanco, Rabiot, Harit, and Kondogbia.