In-form Marseille aim to further close the gap behind the leading pack when they host reigning champions Lille, with les Dogues looking to write off one of their rivals from the title race.

In spite of heavily reinforcing the squad over the summer, Marseille experienced big problems at the start to the season, letting their title rivals create a big advantage at the top.

However, as the time went by, Didier Deschamps’ side began to show what they are capable of, with the run of four wins in last five games helping them close the gap behind leaders PSG to nine points.

OM are also five points behind the final Champions League berth, currently occupied by none other than Lille, so this is a great chance for the hosts to kick-start their season.

However, taking into account that OM will be without several important players, odds of 2.25 (5/4) offered by 888sport on home win are not that tempting.

Brothers Andre and Jordan Ayew are away on international duty, as is Souleymane Diawara, whereas Andre-Pierre Gignac remains sidelined.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Mandanda – Azpilicueta, N’Koulou, M’Bia, Morel – Lucho, Diarra, Cheyrou – Valbuena, Remy, Amalfitano.

Lille, too, had plenty of problems at the start to the season, but that was hardly surprising considering the major squad changes in the summer.

Les Dogues needed some time to rediscover the form that had helped them win the Ligue 1 trophy last term, but they are now back in business and sit just four points off leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

After holding the Saints to a goalless draw at Parc des Princes, Lille were unlucky not to beat Nice at home, having conceded the equalizer deep into the injury time, whereas they then had an easy job in Coupe de France against Chantilly.

However, Remi Garcia’s side suffered a 2:1 defeat to Lyon in Coupe de la Ligue, despite taking the lead and playing with an extra man for more than 70 minutes, so there are no doubts les Dogues will have something to prove here.

With Marko Basa and Franck Beria expected to recover in time to face Marseille, away win looks a good bet, especially BetVictor (Victor Chandler) pays 3.75 (11/4) on Lille. Moussa Sow is away on international duty.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Landreau – Debuchy, Basa, Chedjou, Bonnart – Cole, Mavuba, Balmont – Payet, Jelen, Hazard.