PSG vs Marseille preview

November 8, 2014
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

PSG vs MarseilleDefending champions Paris Saint-Germain host surprise leaders Marseille in what is one of the most highly-anticipated matches in French Ligue 1 this season.

The Saints currently sit four points behind their rivals, but they have yet to lose this term and could be buoyed by the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Having won last two league titles in style, PSG were tipped to make it three in a row without too many problems, especially with Monaco seeing a number of key players leave.

However, the Saints had a pretty slow start to the season, suffering some unexpected setbacks, and while they are unbeaten in 12 league games, six draws in said period are a bit too much.

In all fairness, Laurent Blanc had some important players on the sidelines, but with such a big strength in depth, that should not be considered an excuse.

The good news is that Paris Saint-Germain have seriously raised their form of late, winning last five fixtures in all competitions, and they can be backed at 1.67 (2/3) to see off Marseille as well.

Star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has resumed training this week, but he remains an injury doubt, although his return will undoubtedly provide a major boost for the players.

Meanwhile, Thiago Motta and Gregory van der Wiel are both banned, while Marco Verratti should be recalled to the side.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Sirigu – Aurier, Silva, Luiz, Digne – Verratti, Cabaye, Matuiti – Lucas, Cavani, Lavezzi.

Marseille finished the previous campaign in sixth place, some 29 points behind champions PSG, and virtually the same side now sit four points clear at the top of the standings.

The arrival of Marcelo Bielsa obviously changed everything, and the fact that none of the summer recruits were run by him makes the success even more impressive.

Marseille have dazzled with their results as well as the performances this season and they do look like genuine title contenders at the moment.

A positive result against reigning champions at Parc des Princes would prove all the doubters wrong, so bear in mind OM are 2.30 (13/10) not to lose the derby.

Marcelo Bielsa faces some selection problems given that Andre Ayew, Jeremy Morel and Alaixis Romao are all suspended.

The good news is Brice Dja Djedje returns from suspension, while Andre-Pierre Gignac will continue to lead the attack.

Probable starting line-up (3-4-2-1): Mandanda – Fanni, N’Koulou, Sparagna – Dja Djedje, Lemina, Imbula, Mendi – Thauvin, Payet – Gignac.

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