In this matchup, we look at two teams vying for very different targets. Firstly, Strasbourg will be happy to simply stay up this season after recently being promoted, although their recent run of poor results has put their season into doubt and they will look to their next match as a marker point for the turn-around of their season. The opposition is Marseille, who are looking further up the table as they currently sit in the third position following a strong 4:2 victory over Nice. Can Strasbourg provide the shock of the weekend? Or will Marseille prove to be too much for the Ligue 1 minnows?
Strasbourg vs. Marseille
3-Way: 1: Strasbourg +320; X: +266 Draw; 2: Marseille +110
Spread +0.5: Strasbourg -114; Marseille +106
Total +2.5: Over -118; Under +112
Strasbourg
Strasbourg were left still clambering for their second win of the season following a poor-quality 1:1 spectacle against Dijon away from home. The first half produced little action, with Dijon’s Valentin Rosier producing the only moment of interest in the first half when he forced a strong parry from the Strasbourg keeper Bingourou Kamara with a long-range effort. Onlookers could be seen taking a look at their watches in anticipation for the final whistle, but they were to be sorely disappointed.
The second half also rarely excited until the 73rd minute when the match sprung into life, with Dijon substitute Kwon Chang-Hoon when a defensive nightmare allowed Dijon to cross and allow an easy tap-in to be scored. Luckily, and undeservedly, for Strasbourg were offered salvation when an attacker was through on goal but cynically brought down by the last defender, and then received a red card. Strasbourg grabbed the opportunity with two hands as Martin Terrier pounced onto a loose ball before the goalkeeper could get there and touched it away, setting himself up with an easy finish in the 92nd minute of the game.
The main positive from a dull affair is that it ended their loss streak of four matches, that being said they are still without a win in six games and they will have to turn their fortunes around soon as they find themselves in 19th position, quickly falling behind the rest of the pack. All things considered, they are still just a point from safety at this early stage of the season, and could yet find it within themselves to save their season.
Although their defense has not been the best, perhaps Strasbourg’s greatest issue is that they cannot score. They have not scored more than one goal in a game since the opening day of the season, and they don’t seem to have anyone in their team that could aid in changing this record with not one player in the Strasbourg team scoring more than one goal this season so far.
Manager Thierry Laurey will be without left-back Abdallah Ndour (fractured leg) and right-back Dimitri Foulquier (hamstring), but will otherwise have a full squad for Sunday’s match.
Marseille
After some initial worrying scenes at the Allianz Riviera, Marseille bounced back to earn their third league win in a row against Nice with a 4:2 score-line. Nice started the game in control, and more importantly 2:0 up with two goals coming Marseille failing to properly deal with two corners. Eventually, however, Marseille gained their stride with Lucas Ocampos leading the way, capitalizing on a Nice defense unable to clear the ball in time and smashing the ball into the top corner in the 26th minute. Fifteen minutes later, Marseille equalized after a Florian Thauvin cross led to a Nice defender sliding the ball into his own net to the delight of Les Olympiens fans. The goal started a quickfire triple, with the second coming just before half-time as Ocampos was yet again in the right place at the right time to nod the ball into the goal following a poor save from the opposition’ keeper.
The second half started exactly how the first ended, with another Marseille goal as Luis Gustavo came forward in a fast counter-attack and his following shot at goal deflected off of a Nice defender and past the Nice goalkeeper who should have probably done better. Despite a two-goal lead, Marseille were offered a little scare when midfielder Luiz Gustavo was given a red card for a dangerous high studs-up tackle. And then, a penalty was given for another clumsy challenge, this time from Gregory Sertic, but it was fortunately saved to ensure victory for the away side and to settle their nerves.
Although it was not through luck that Marseille gained victory, Nice certainly stood toe-to-toe with Marseille for the majority of the game, but three goals in six minutes proved to be decisive, with the away side feeding off of Nice’s errors. This ruthlessness will have pleased manager Rudi Garcia, especially since he will have one eye on the fixture after their next match against PSG where they will need ruthlessness and conviction in abundance.
Another big positive for Marseille will be the performances of Lucas Ocampos who always seemed alert and worked hard for his new team in their last game. He has also scored four goals in five league games, which is already a better tally than his last season in Serie A.
And of course, another huge positive will be that with the win they have maintained their hold on their third-place position with sixteen points. Although they are only above Nantes on goal difference who are hitting some great form, therefore Marseille will have to carry on their win streak if they wish put some daylight between themselves and fourth position.
Rudi Garcia will be without centre-back Aymen Abdennour through a hamstring injury while defensive midfielder Luiz Gustavo will also be out due to a red card suspension from his last match.
Strasbourg vs. Marseille – MATCH PREDICTION
Strasbourg has been incapable of taking control of a game since opening day of the season, while Marseille has it completely within them to beat most teams in the league (see last win against Nice), or to completely capitulate under pressure (see 6:1 loss to Monaco and 3:1 loss to Rennes). The result of this game will be completely up to the performance of Marseille, but I do believe that they will have the quality to beat the newly promoted Strasbourg in convincing fashion.
MY PICK: Marseille -0.5 AH (+106)
