After Lille failed to win their weekend’s game at Lorient, Marseille have got a great chance to finally overturn les Dogues from the Ligue 1 summit, with the hosts very motivated to win this game. Nice, on the other hand, sit dangerous close to the bottom three and they are looking to produce an upset and take at least one point from Velodrome, which is easier said than done.

Marseille back to their best

Marseille haven’t had such a great start to the season as Didier Deschamps’ men had some problems coping with the busy schedule, but OM still managed to qualify from the Champions League group stages and stay in contention for the Ligue 1 title. Marseille were eventually eliminated from the top European competition despite playing really well in both games against Manchester United, but the elimination soon proved to be a blessing in disguise since OM significantly improved their showings on domestic stage, having profited from the absence of midweek action. Following the defeat to Manchester United, Marseille took ten points from next four league games, thus closing the gap behind leaders Lille to just two points, while OM have just won the first trophy of the season, having beaten Montpellier in the Coupe de la Ligue final. Considering the form they are in at the moment, Marseille are highly unlikely to miss such a good chance to climb to the top of the standings.

Apart from injured Stephane M’Bia and suspended Loic Remy, Didier Deschamps will have fully fit squad to choose from. Cesar Azpilicueta and Julien Rodriguez remain long-term worries.

Nice ended the good run

Nice started the Ligue 1 campaign in a very good manner, but they didn’t need a lot of time to return to where they belong. The run of six defeats in nine games saw les Aiglons slip into the danger zone, where they have remained ever since. Eric Roy’s side significantly improved their league position by taking nine points from their last five league games, but the Coupe de France home defeat to Lille proved that les Aiglons still lack the quality to match the best sides in France. Having lost almost all matches against top sides quite convincingly, Nice are highly unlikely to improve that record against high-flying Marseille, meaning that they will have to look for survival points elsewhere.

Kafoumba Coulibaly returns to the side after serving a suspension, but Emers Fae, Alain Cantareil, Larrys Mabiala, Ismael Gace, Anthony Mounier, David Bellion, Didier Digard and David Hellebuyck are out with injuries, whereas Drissa Diakite is suspended.

Verdict

Marseille are on top of their game at the moment and they are seen as hot favourites in this clash. Nice have been doing well lately but they clearly lack the quality to match the top sides in France and I expect Marseille to record a convincing victory at their Velodrome.

Our prediction: Marseille with -1.25 Asian handicap

Odds: 2.02 (51/50)

Bookmaker: 188BET