Another weekend and another round of Ligue 1 fixtures, with this weekend’s offering having a lot to live up to after the last round of games provided many closely-fought spectacles. The talk of the weekend will be the highly-entertaining clash in French football most famous and historic match, and we will be surely satisfied to get just some of that drama for the coming games in the 2017/18 Ligue 1 season.
This Sunday, Ligue 1 offers a treat to all French football fans as Lille will host Marseille. Lille have had a terrible start to Ligue 1, especially for a side who have European ambitions, and will have expected to be much higher placed than their current 19th position. Marseille, on the other hand, has had a better start, currently sitting in the fifth position, but they will hope to win to try break into the top three this weekend. Can Lille produce a surprise result by beating Marseille? Or will Marseille’s team prove to be too much for a faltering Lille?
Lille vs. Marseille
3-Way: 1: Lille +239; X: +261 Draw; 2: Marseille +135
Spread +0.5: Lille -139; Marseille +127
Total +2.5: Over -118; Under +108
Lille
Last weekend, Lille dropped into the relegation zone as they lost the 15th vs 16th clash with a1:0 scoreline to Rennes in another away defeat. The game’s only goal came after just six minutes, as a Rennes winger found space down the left wing and crossed for a teammate who finished under pressure. Lille’s defense came under the further barrage, forcing a couple of decent saves from goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who helped his side to hold on until the half-time whistle.
Les Dogues gave their fans a glimpse of hope as they eventually grew into the game, forging a couple of chances, including a great chance to equalize as the ball fell to Nicolas Pepe right in front goal, but he scuffed the opportunity as he hit wide. Later, Lille nearly scored from a corner as an attacker headed towards goal, which would have creeped in were it not for a good save from the goalkeeper, who then produced a double save from the rebound. Unfortunately, Lille’s building momentum was completely halted as a completely reckless challenge from Hamzyl Mendyl saw him receive a straight red card, reducing his side to ten men for the remainder of the match.
The loss saw Lille fall to 19th position as they continue to fail to produce any kind of form that they are capable of. Lille’s main issue seems to be scoring, as they have only scored six goals all season, the second-worst record in the league. Their lack of goals is clearly down to a lack of any regular goal scorer on their side, with no player scoring more than once this season. Last season, the two top scorers were Nicolas de Preville and Eder, who together contributed twenty goals over the league season, but neither of those players has remained at Lille following the summer.
Another concern for Lille will be their discipline, as they have received the most red cards in the league, with a grand total of three. Not only is their lack of points taking its toll on their position in the league, but also seemingly on Lille’s mentality as frustration has crept in and seen another player fall victim to a red card issued for a reckless challenge. Furthermore, their discipline and winless streak may also take its toll on manager Marcelo Bielsa, who surely cannot have many more opportunities to stay in his position at the club.
Under pressure manager, Marcelo Bielsa will be without centre-back AdamaSoumaoro (Achilles) and Rominigue Kouamé (shoulder)
Marseille
The French Clasico produced one of the most dramatic matches of the season, although Marseille will not have been happy to only come away with a draw at home to fierce rivals Paris Saint Germain. Marseille opened the scoring in sixteen minutes as midfielder Luiz Gustavo tried his luck from range, and was rewarded with a goal as the ball bounced right into the left corner of the goal. Later in the first-half, PSG responded as the ball was pulled back for Ligue 1 poster-boy Neymar who passed the ball into the post and in. The first-half came to a close with little else in the way of chances, but Marseille edged the half as they were the more aggressive side in trying to score than their opponents.
The second half also saw few chances, with Marseille’s next major opportunity being converted, as Clinton N’Jie picked the ball up from a corner, battled past a PSG defender, eventually getting the cross away which was consequently volleyed in by Florian Thauvin. PSG’s Neymar looked a frustrated figure, as he acted on his frustration with two quick and needless yellow cards to see him sent down the tunnel by the referee. Unfortunately for Marseille, however, the red card didn’t stop PSG getting the equalizer as Edinson Cavani hit a stunning free-kick in off the crossbar in the 93rd minute, with practically the last kick of the game.
It was a good performance by Marseille, who managed to limit the best attack in the league, and one of the best in the world, to few chances. Despite this, they still only managed a draw, albeit an unlikely one, which is their second draw in a row when they need wins to get the third position that they are looking for. The late goal also signified the second time in a row in the league that Marseille lost their lead to late goals, which puts Marseille’s concentration over ninety minutes into question.
Including the last result, Marseille has now conceded seven goals in three games; a poor record for a team with European ambitions. In fact, there are only three teams in Ligue 1 that have a worse defensive record than Marseille’s goals against tally of seventeen. What will be of particular frustration to the manager and fans will be that on paper, Marseille’s defense should be solid with an international-experienced pairing of Adil Rami and Rolando, who are both failing to fulfill their basic defensive duties.
Manager Rudi Garcia will have a full squad for Sunday’s big match.
Lille vs. Marseille- MATCH PREDICTION
Despite only managing two draws in their last two matches, there is only one winner of this match in my eyes, and this is Marseille. Consider that their last match was a draw against one of Europe’s best team, Paris Saint Germain. Furthermore, they are definitely the better side of themselves and Lille, and occupy a much higher spot in the league. Also consider Lille’s terrible beginning to the season and the fact that they have not beat Marseille in four years.
All things considered, I would go for a simple Marseille win, but their defense is pretty unreliable, so perhaps Lille will get a goal if their forward line performs.
MY PICK: Marseille to WIN (+135)
Additional Pick: Both teams to score YES (-145)
