After a difficult start to the season with a defeat at Roazhon Park in the opening game of the campaign (1-0), Marseille immediately bounced back with a home win against Paris FC in a goal-filled encounter (5-2). Despite suffering another setback in the Olympico, which was won by OL at the Groupama Stadium (1-0), Marseille bounced back at the Stade Vélodrome last weekend with a 4-0 victory over another newly promoted side, Lorient.
As for Paris Saint-Germain, they have had a much more consistent start to the season. At the Parc des Princes, the capital club first secured a comfortable victory over Angers on Matchday 2 (1-0), before repeating the feat last week against Lens (2-0). Away from home, Luis Enrique's men have won two games in as many matches: first at Nantes (0-1), then at Toulouse just before the international break (3-6).
0 - Paris have not lost any of their last 12 away games in Marseille in Ligue 1 (9 wins, 3 draws), inflicting OM's longest winless streak against a single opponent.
6 - Marseille have won their last six home matches in the top flight, their longest such run since the period from August 2014 to January 2015.
14 – Paris Saint-Germain have won 14 of their last 17 matches against Marseille in all competitions (1 draw, 2 defeats).
23 – Paris have scored in 23 of their last 24 Ligue 1 away matches, the exception being on 6 December 2024 at Auxerre (0-0).
Roberto De Zerbi and his team could start against Paris with a 3-4-3 formation. In goal, Gerónimo Rulli will be the last line of defence. The Argentine international has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the league, and he will be able to rely on a three-man central defence in front of him. Already decisive in his first match for Marseille, French international Benjamin Pavard is expected to start. The same goes for captain Leonardo Balerdi, who performed well this week on the European stage.
It remains to be seen who will take the third starting spot in central defence between Nayef Aguerd, who scored on his debut at the Stade Vélodrome last week, and Facundo Medina. The former is expected to make his return after completing his concussion protocol, while the latter has been performing well so far. At right wing-back, Amir Murillo has impressed the Marseille coaching staff. The Panamanian international is therefore likely to be preferred to Pol Lirola, while Timothy Weah, who arrived this summer from Juventus, will be competing with Italian international Emerson, previously of OL and Chelsea.
In midfield, Marseille is not short of options either. Having become one of his team's leaders, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg is the favourite to start the match against Paris, as is England international Angel Gomes. But the experienced Geoffrey Kondogbia made a successful comeback last week against Lorient, where he was given the captain's armband. Marseille have also strengthened considerably this summer with two new signings who could have a say: Danish international Matt O'Riley and promising youngster Arthur Vermeeren. Both new recruits should make an appearance during the match, as should the versatile Bilal Nadir.
The latter has been handed several starting roles in recent weeks, but the change in system and the likely return of Igor Paixão on the left wing could jeopardise his place in Marseille's starting eleven. The former Feyenoord player, who wreaked havoc in the Eredivisie last season, could make his first start for OM if his fitness allows. If not, another new signing could start in the form of Timothy Weah or Hamed Traoré. Mason Greenwood, the technical leader of his team, is expected to start on the right wing, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is likely to start as centre forward. Unless Amine Gouiri, back in the Marseille squad, is preferred.
