It’s the match of the year in Ligue 1. This Sunday evening, Paris will travel to Marseille to play at the CEPAC Vélodrome, where the Marseille side got their season off to a flying start with a resounding 4–0 victory over Strasbourg. Since then, Marseille have faced a tough run of fixtures and suffered defeats at Monaco (2–0) and then at Rennes (1–0), having previously lost to PFC (2–3). This run of form continued in the Europa League this week, with the team from the Bouches-du-Rhône suffering a heavy defeat at the hands of Besiktas in their opening match of the competition (4-1).
For their part, Paris Saint-Germain were finally rewarded with their first win of the season in the top flight. Following a home defeat to Monaco (1–2) – a match in which the Rouge et Bleu deserved far better – Luis Enrique’s men put on a show in their Champions League opener, securing a resounding victory over Slovan Bratislava (6–1). But above all, the Parisians followed that up with a win away at Brest last time out (0–1). Paris are now aiming for a victory in the Classique to truly kick-start their league campaign.
2 – Paris Saint-Germain (67.4%) and Marseille (60.8%) are the two teams with the highest average possession in Ligue 1 this season, as well as the highest average number of passes per move (5.5 and 5.2 respectively).
9 –The capital club have won 9 of their last 13 league away matches in Marseille (3 draws, 1 defeat).
38 – Marseille have lost 38 matches against Paris across all competitions in the 21st century, which is 15 more than against any other team over that period.
In goal for Marseille, new manager Bruno Genesio has placed his trust in Jeffrey de Lange, who has been promoted to the starting line-up since Geronimo Rulli’s departure. In front of the Marseille goalkeeper, Moroccan international Nayef Aguerd is expected to start. The former Rennes player is now the linchpin of the Marseille defence, and he is likely to be supported by CJ Egan-Riley. The Manchester-born player is likely to be preferred to Bamo Meïté, who has returned from his loan spell at Lorient, as well as to Canadian international Derek Cornelius. At right-back, OM will rely on their new captain, Timothy Weah. The former Juventus Turin player has, unsurprisingly, established himself as a key figure in Marseille’s starting eleven.
It’s much the same story for Emerson on the left side of defence. The Italian international, who has played for clubs including Roma, Chelsea and Olympique Lyonnais, remains the undisputed first-choice on his flank, despite the return of Ulisses Garcia. In midfield, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg will obviously be in the starting line-up. The former Bayern Munich and Tottenham player is, of course, one of the key figures in the Marseille squad. It remains to be seen whether he will be partnered by the experienced Geoffrey Kondogbia, who is a doubt, or by a more attacking option such as Himad Abdelli. Although he has struggled since his arrival at Marseille, the former Angers player nevertheless appears to have his manager’s confidence.
As for Angel Gomes, the England international could well round off Marseille’s midfield, playing a slightly more advanced role. Should he be confirmed in the starting line-up, his role would be to supply the ball to his team’s attack, which, unsurprisingly, is likely to be led by Amine Gouiri. Joint-top scorer in Ligue 1 with four goals in as many matches, the former Nice and Rennes centre-forward has got off to a flying start to the season. The striker, who came through the ranks at Olympique Lyonnais, should not see his place under threat from the return of Neal Maupay and Faris Moumbagna from loan spells, although they could still make an appearance during the match.
On the wings, the main threat to the Parisian defence is Igor Paixão. Although rumoured to be on his way out just a few weeks ago, the former Feyenoord Rotterdam player will indeed be playing in Ligue 1 again this season, where he is expected to shine with his dribbling and attacking prowess. Finally, on the opposite flank, it is the Moroccan international Amine Harit who is expected to start against the Parisians. His experience is likely to be favoured over the enthusiasm of the young Keyliane Abdallah (20), who came through the ranks at the Bouches-du-Rhône club and has put in some impressive performances so far this season.
