Marseille will be looking to extend their winning run in Ligue 1 to five matches when they welcome Lille to the Stade Velodrome on Saturday.
The hosts are yet to lose in the top flight this season, while the visitors are seeking to claim their third successive away victory.
Match preview
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Marseille began their Champions League group-stage campaign with defeat as they were beaten 2-0 away against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night.
After a goalless first half, the French side's task was made much tougher when Chancel Mbemba was shown a straight red card just two minutes after the break for a late tackle as the last man on Son Heung-min. Richarlison then headed in two goals within the space of four minutes to condemn Marseille to their first loss in any competition of the season.
Despite the defeat, a resilient showing from Les Olympiens will have pleased head coach Igor Tudor and his side will be confident of returning to winning ways to continue their impressive start on the domestic front.
Marseille have won five and drawn one of their opening six Ligue 1 matches this season, and currently sit joint top of the table with 16 points along with reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Les Olympiens have a 100% record on home soil so far this term, although they head into Saturday's contest having won only one of their last four meetings with Lille at the Stade Velodrome.
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Lille have endured an inconsistent beginning to the 2022-23 campaign, as they have won three, drawn one and lost two of their first six Ligue 1 games, scoring and conceding 13 goals each.
While their last two home games ended in disappointing fashion, losing to PSG and Nice by an aggregate score of 9-2, Les Dogues have fared better on the road in recent weeks, with a 3-1 away win at Ajaccio followed by a victory by the same scoreline at Montpellier last weekend.
Jonathan David cancelled out Elye Wahi's 20th-minute opener before the contest turned in Lille's favour when Montpellier forward Valere Germain was dismissed on the stroke of half time. After the break, Angel Gomes put the visitors in front before David scored his second to wrap up the three points.
Paulo Fonseca's side currently sit sixth in the Ligue 1 standings, three points behind the top four and six behind Saturday's opponents Marseille.
Lille can head to the Stade Velodrome with confidence of securing a positive result this weekend as they have picked up eight points from their last four league meetings against Marseille, including two away draws.
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Team News
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Marseille currently have a clean bill of health, while forward Alexis Sanchez is able to return to the matchday squad after serving a European suspension in midweek.
The Chilean will be hoping to return to the first XI in an advanced midfield role at the expense of either Gerson or Matteo Guendouzi, with Colombian Luis Suarez set to lead the line.
Jonathan Clauss and Nuno Tavares are expected to continue in their wing-back roles, while Eric Bailly is set to remain at the heart of a back three alongside Mbemba and Samuel Gigot.
As for Lille, their only injury concern is with forward Timothy Weah who continues to recover from a foot problem.
Former Marseille man Remy Cabella was fit to return to the starting lineup last weekend and he could retain his place in the number 10 role behind central striker David.
Summer arrival Andre Gomes will be hoping to start his first game for the club in centre-midfield, with either Angel Gomes or Benjamin Andre potentially at risk of dropping out of the side.
Marseille possible starting lineup:
Lopez; Mbemba, Bailly, Gogot; Clauss, Rongier, Veretout, Tavares; Sanchez, Gerson; Suarez
Lille possible starting lineup:
Leonardo; Diakite, Fonte, Djalo, Ismaily; Andre, Angel Gomes; Zhegrova, Cabella, Bamba; David
We say: Marseille 2-2 Lille
A closely-fought contest between two evenly-matched teams is set to take place on Saturday, with both sides feeling that they have the credentials to come away with maximum points.
While goals are to be expected at the Stade Velodrome, an entertaining score draw could be on the cards on this occasion.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Oliver Thomas
