Marseille vs PSG preview

February 24, 2017
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Even though l’OM have enjoyed little success of late, all eyes will be on Derby de France, arguably the biggest game in French football.

While Marseille hope to further improve their Europa League hopes, the Saints need to win at Stade Velodrome in order to keep up with leaders Monaco.

One of France’s most famous clubs have been on a major downtrend over the last few years, but it appears they are finally moving in the right direction.

New club owners have very ambitious plans for the future and the sporting department have already attempted to recruit some high-profile footballers.

The likes of Patrice Evra, Morgan Sanson and especially Dimitri Payet have no doubt improved the quality of the squad, while their presence should help attract more quality players.

Marseille have been blowing hot and cold of late, winning four and losing two of their last six fixtures, but their home form has been virtually impeccable.

Having won last four matches at Stade Velodrome, l’OM can be backed at 5.50 (9/2) to claim maximum points and put a dent into PSG’s title bid.

Former Lyon winger Clinton N’Jie has been used as a centre forward after in Bafetimbi Gomis’ absence and he will keep his place in the side, while Rod Fanni and Hiroki Sakai are back from suspension.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Pele – Sakai, Fanni, Rolando, Evra – Lopez, Vainqueur, Sanson – Thauvin, N’Jie, Payet.

Paris Saint-Germain have surprisingly struggled to keep up with title rivals Monaco and Nice, but they may finally be ready to mount a serious title challenge in the Champions League.

Not too many people believed they could get past mighty Barcelona and yet the Saints produced a remarkable performance to record a 4-0 victory in the first leg.

There are no doubts that said triumph gave everyone at the club a major lift, but PSG were unable to turn their dominance into goals in the game with Toulouse that eventually ended goalless.

This is why the Saints need to try and defeat bitter rivals Marseille on Sunday, and they are now 1.70 (7/10) to succeed in their quest.

Thomas Meunier, Blaise Matuidi, Marco Verratti and Layvin Kurzawa will be recalled, while Thiago Silva returns to the side from injury.

Star winger Angel Di Maria faces a fitness test after suffering a muscle problem and he is rated doubtful for the Marseille clash.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Trapp – Meunier, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Kurzawa – Motta, Verratti, Rabiot – Draxler, Cavani, Matuidi.

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