Marseille vs Lyon Prediction - Ligue 1 Fixtures
Get ready for a clash in Ligue 1 as Marseille hosts Lyon at Stade Orange Vélodrome on 2 February 2025. Marseille, under the tactical genius of Roberto De Zerbi, sits second in the league with 37 points, trailing PSG by ten points. With a b season thus far, they’re looking to tighten their grip on a Champions League spot. Lyon, currently sixth with 30 points, hasn’t found the net recently, drawing 0-0 in their last two matches.
Marseille’s form at home and their superior league standing make them the bookmakers’ favourite at odds of 1.97 to win. Although Lyon has managed two clean sheets in their last five, their current run of ‘DDDLL’ reflects inconsistency.
Our match prediction leans towards a Marseille win, likely by more than one goal, given their recent decent form and Lyon’s struggles. A recommended bet is indeed on Marseille to win. This fixture, thus, carries significant importance for both teams’ aspirations this season.
Marseille vs Lyon Prediction & Betting Tip
Our recommended betting tip for this encounter is to back Marseille to win. Given the form and various statistical insights from both teams, Marseille holds the upper hand despite recent mixed results.
| Marseille vs. Lyon Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Marseille to win | 1.97 |
- Marseille: With a recent form of 2-1-2, they show a decent overall performance, particularly in scoring, averaging 2.40 goals per game in the last five matches.
- Lyon: Their underwhelming performance, as reflected by their ‘DDDLL’ recent form, alongside a lower average of goals scored (1.20), suggests they are struggling up front.
- Venue advantage: Playing at home, where they have been relatively b, adds another layer of confidence in backing Marseille to overcome Lyon’s challenges.
In short, the statistics and recent performances favor Marseille, making them a solid pick for this clash.
Marseille vs Lyon Odds
This match sees Marseille as the favourites to come out on top, according to bookmakers. With Marseille’s superior form and b home record, it’s no surprise they have short odds.
| Marseille vs. Lyon Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Marseille | 1.97 |
| Draw | 3.77 |
| Lyon | 3.41 |
Given Marseille’s recent performance and Lyon’s struggles, the odds reflect a realistic expectation for this match.
Backing Marseille to win might be the safest bet, given their advantage in form and squad strength. However, considering the competitive nature of Ligue 1, a draw or Lyon managing an upset can’t be completely ruled out.
Marseille Team Analysis
With a record of two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five matches, Marseille’s performance can best be described as steady, albeit somewhat inconsistent. Marseille’s recent results:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Nice | Marseille | 2-0 (Loss) |
| Marseille | Strasbourg | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Marseille | Lille | 2-1 (Loss) (3-4) Pens |
| Rennes | Marseille | 1-2 (Win) |
| Marseille | Le Havre | 5-1 (Win) |
Despite not keeping a clean sheet in their last five games, they’ve managed an impressive average of 2.4 goals per game. This attacking prowess could be critical against Lyon, especially with top scorer Mason Greenwood in fine form with 12 goals this season.
Key injury concerns, including crucial players like Valentin Rongier, might place additional emphasis on utilizing their squad depth effectively.
Marseille Key Players
Marseille will rely heavily on their key players to secure a favorable result against Lyon. Mason Greenwood stands out as the top scorer with 12 goals so far this season, providing a potent attacking threat. Adrien Rabiot, deployed in a more advanced role, has also been instrumental in driving the team’s offensive play. The experience and defensive capabilities of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg in midfield will be crucial, particularly with Valentin Rongier sidelined due to injury.
Expected lineup for Marseille:
- Goalkeeper: Geronimo Rulli
- Defenders: Michael Murillo, Leonardo Balerdi, Lilian Brassier
- Midfielders: Luis Henrique, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Valentin Rongier, Quentin Merlin
- Attackers: Adrien Rabiot, Neal Maupay, Mason Greenwood
The matchup between Greenwood and Lyon’s Moussa Niakhate could be pivotal, making it an individual battle to watch out for.
Marseille Suspensions & Injuries
Marseille faces several injury concerns that could impact their performance against Lyon. Key players such as Ruben Blanco and Faris Moumbagna are hoping to return soon, but will likely miss this match. Additionally, Valentin Rongier, who has been instrumental in recent midfield battles, will be absent due to a muscle injury. The list of injured players is detailed below:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Ruben Blanco | Knee injury | Early February 2025 |
| Faris Moumbagna | Knee injury | Early February 2025 |
| Valentin Rongier | Muscle injury | A few weeks |
| Valentin Carboni | Cruciate ligament injury | Early June 2025 |
| Geoffrey Kondogbia | Calf injury | Early February 2025 |
| Amine Harit | Calf injury | Early February 2025 |
These injuries might force coach Roberto De Zerbi to alter his tactics and rely on less experienced players to fill the void. This could affect Marseille’s overall cohesion and effectiveness, especially in the midfield.
Marseille Tactics and Formation
Marseille Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-2-1
- Key Forward: Mason Greenwood
- Midfield Dynamics: Valentin Rongier and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (though Rongier is currently sidelined due to a muscle injury)
- Defensive Setup: Three-center back system with Michael Murillo, Leonardo Balerdi, and Lilian Brassier
- Attack Strategy: Utilize the pace and creativity of Adrien Rabiot and Mason Greenwood in advanced playmaking roles
- Recent Challenges: Injuries to key players like Rongier and Kondogbia may force Roberto De Zerbi to adjust his midfield lineup, possibly affecting fluidity
Overall, Marseille will aim to control the game through a balanced approach, combining solid defense with dynamic attack maneuvers.
Lyon Team Analysis
Lyon has struggled to find form recently, managing to secure only three draws and suffering two losses in their last five matches. This recent run has left them in 6th place with 30 points.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Nantes | Lyon | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Fenerbahce | Lyon | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Lyon | Toulouse | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Bourgoin Jallieu | Lyon | 2-2 (Loss) |
| Brest | Lyon | 2-1 (Loss) |
Lyon’s attack has been relatively stagnant, averaging only 1.20 goals per game over the last five outings. However, defensively they’ve been decent with two clean sheets in the same period. The standout performer has been Alexandre Lacazette, who remains their top scorer despite the club’s recent shortcomings. Given their current form, Lyon will need to step up their game to challenge a b Marseille side at the Stade Orange Velodrome.
Lyon Key Players
Expected lineup for Lyon:
- Goalkeeper: Lucas Perri
- Defenders: Saël Kumbedi, Clinton Mata, Moussa Niakhate, Nicolas Tagliafico
- Midfielders: Jordan Veretout, Nemanja Matic, Corentin Tolisso
- Attackers: Ernest Nuamah, Alexandre Lacazette, Rayan Cherki
Lyon’s key player is undoubtedly Alexandre Lacazette, who remains their top scorer with 5 goals. His experience and craftiness in front of goal could be critical against Marseille’s defense.
Jordan Veretout and Nemanja Matic will be vital in midfield battles against Marseille’s dynamic midfielders, especially with Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Adrien Rabiot posing significant threats.
On the wings, Ernest Nuamah and Rayan Cherki are expected to stretch Marseille’s defense, potentially creating opportunities for Lacazette. The matchup between Lyon’s attackers and Marseille’s backline will be an interesting battle to watch.
Lyon Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Malick Fofana | Hip injury | Mid February 2025 |
Lyon will be missing Malick Fofana due to a hip injury, with his potential return expected in mid-February 2025. His absence weakens their defensive options, and the team will need to adjust their formation to compensate for his loss.
Luckily, Lyon has no suspensions to worry about for this match, allowing them to field a b XI.
These injury issues may affect Lyon’s overall defensive solidity against Marseille’s potent attack, which could be a point of concern for coach Pierre Sage.
Lyon Tactics and Formation
Lyon Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Alexandre Lacazette Lyon’s likely setup in the 4-3-3 formation showcases a balance between attacking and defensive duties. Alexandre Lacazette leads the line as the central forward, supported by Rayan Cherki and Ernest Nuamah on the flanks.
- Midfield Trio: Jordan Veretout, Nemanja Matic, Corentin Tolisso The midfield trio will play a crucial role in control and distribution. Nemanja Matic anchors the midfield, providing defensive stability and linking play between defense and attack.
- Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games Lyon’s backline, featuring Saël Kumbedi, Clinton Mata, Moussa Niakhaté, and Nicolas Tagliafico, has managed two clean sheets in recent matches, indicating their capacity for resilience.
- Notable Strategy: Compact defense and quick breaks on the counter Lyon’s tactic will likely involve maintaining a compact defense while seeking opportunities to break quickly on the counter, utilizing Lacazette’s finishing abilities and the pace of their wingers.
