Preview:Marseille vs Paris FC - prediction, team news, lineups

Marseille will look to put a turbulent week behind them as they welcome newly promoted Paris FC to the Stade Velodrome on Saturday for matchday two of Ligue 1.

Les Phoceens endured a dismal start to their campaign with defeat against 10-man Rennes, while their visitors from the capital also seek their first point after falling short in their opener.

Match preview

Despite enjoying a numerical advantage for more than an hour at Roazhon Park, Marseille failed to make it count and looked blunt in attack.

Ludovic Blas’s stoppage-time strike proved a fitting punishment for a side that managed three fewer shots on target than their depleted hosts, a defeat which not only cast doubt on Les Phoceens’ title credentials but also set the stage for a week of turmoil away from the pitch.

Reports emerged of a dressing-room altercation between Jonathan Rowe and Adrien Rabiot, and the fallout has left the club preparing to part ways with both players.

Seeking to move on from that chaotic episode, Roberto De Zerbi’s men can take encouragement from their strong home form, having ended 2024-25 with four straight league wins at the Velodrome.

Marseille are renowned for their attacking flair, evidenced by the 74 goals they scored last season on their way to finishing second, so a commanding victory over Paris would not be surprising as they look to lift the mood of their supporters.

However, the visitors built their promotion push on defensive resilience, conceding only 17 goals on their travels in Ligue 2 last term – fewer than any other side across the top two divisions – and keeping seven clean sheets away from home.

Even so, Esteban Lepaul breached that rearguard with a ninth-minute strike that gave Angers victory on the opening weekend, ending a run of seven matches in which Paris had not conceded before half-time dating back to last season.

Stephane Gilli was also left frustrated as his team failed to make the most of their numerical advantage following Louis Mouton’s dismissal in the second half, with the result bringing an end to an unbeaten streak that had boosted their long-awaited return to the top flight.

Paris finished second in Ligue 2 last season and are back in the top flight after a 46-year absence, so they will be eager to collect early points to avoid an immediate drop back to the second tier as happened in 1978-79.

Marseille Ligue 1 form:

Marseille form (all competitions):

Paris FC Ligue 1 form:

Paris FC form (all competitions):

Team News

Placed on Marseille’s transfer list following their altercation, Rabiot and Rowe will both be unavailable for this fixture.

That absence could see Geoffrey Kondogbia line up alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in midfield, allowing Angel Gomes to step into a more advanced role in place of the outcast Rabiot.

With Rowe unavailable, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is expected to lead the line after beginning his second stint at the club on the bench last weekend, with Amine Gouiri moving out wide to fill the void.

Summer signing Igor Paixao remains sidelined as he waits to make his debut following his move from Feyenoord.

Paris travel with a clean bill of health and are boosted by the return of left-back Thibault De Smet, who was suspended for their opener.

New arrival Otavio is also in contention to make his bow at the heart of defence after sitting out last weekend due to illness.

Marseille possible starting lineup:

Rulli; Garcia, Balerdi, Egan-Riley, Murillo; Kondogbia, Hojbjerg; Gouiri, Gomes, Greenwood; Aubameyang

Paris FC possible starting lineup:

Nkambadio; Smet, Otavio, Mbow, Sangui; Simon, Lopez, Doucet, Kebba; Hamel, Krasso

We say: Marseille 3-1 Paris FC

Despite their off-field debacles, Marseille are favourites entering this encounter, and anything short of a convincing victory would further put the team under immense pressure, so the host will be expected to come away with all three points.

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