Having squandered a two-goal lead against Auxerre, Marseille desperately need a win in this game, meaning the hosts are likely to attack their opponents from the off. With two wins from as many games, Saint Etienne are looking very good at the moment and knowing they have nothing to lose at Velodrome, les Verts are expected to play a good game in Marseille.

Costly mistakes

After losing the Ligue 1 title race to Lille last term, Marseille have done brilliantly in the transfer window and they now look like the number one favourites for the league title. Not only did OM manage to keep hold of star players Lucho, Ayew and Valbuena, but they made some very good signings this summer, with Diarra, N’Koulou, Morel and Amalfitano already considered important part of the squad. With players like Remy, Andre Ayew and Valbuena up front, it is little wonder than Marseille have scored no less than nine goals in first three games, although eight conceded goals are a real cause for concern. OM now have no choice but to attack Saint Etienne from the off as they desperately need a win in this game, but that will leave a lot of space for les Verts to hurt them on the break. Therefore, everything suggests that we will see another high-scoring game from Didier Deschamps’ side.

Andre-Pierre Gignac has resumed full training, but he is not yet ready to feature, while Stephane M’Bia is expected to miss six weeks of action with a broken metatarsal.

Gonzalo Bergessio and Carlos Bocanegra leave

Some very promising displays in pre-season hinted that Saint Etienne could have a big role to play in French top flight this term, but not even their own fans could expect the team to record two straight victories at the start of the Ligue 1 campaign. Les Verts made sure that their opening win over Bordeaux at Stade Chaban-Delmas counted by beating Nancy at home in game week 2 and are now brimming with confidence before the trip to Velodrome. Saint Etienne without two important players last week as Carlos Bocanegra and Gonzalo Bergessio left for Rangers and Catania respectively, so the club are expected to bring replacements for the two players. Nevertheless, in Sakho, Sinama Pongolle and Aubameyang, les Verts have enough attacking potential to hurt Marseille, especially as their opponents have major problems at the back.

New signing from Rennes Fabien Lemoine is set to be handed a debut after missing the Nancy game through suspension, while Steed Malbranque could also start his first game for les Verts.

Verdict

Marseille are creating chances and scoring goals with ease, so they are expected to score a couple against Saint Etienne as well, but they have major problems at the back and that is something very good les Verts will be looking to exploit. The odds are that we will see a high-scoring game, so over 2.5 goals looks like a good bet here.

Our prediction: Over 2.5 goals

Odds: 2.04 (26/25)

Bookmaker: Betfair