Marseille vs. Nantes Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 2 March 2025 - bettingexpert

As we approach the 24th round of Ligue 1, Marseille hosts Nantes at the iconic Stade Orange Vélodrome on 2 March 2025 at 19:45. Marseille, currently second in the standings with 46 points, will be looking to close the gap with league leaders PSG. Nantes, on the other hand, sits in 14th place with 24 points, making this match crucial for both teams but for different reasons.

Stéphanie Frappart, known for her firm but fair officiating—averaging 4.1 yellow cards per match—will referee the game. Given the odds, Marseille is favored to win with bookmakers offering 1.39 on their victory.

Marseille, led by coach Roberto De Zerbi, has been in good form, winning three of their last five games. Nantes, coached by Antoine Kombouaré, had a mixed recent performance, also managing two victories. Noteworthy is Nantes’ defence that has conceded an average of 1.7 goals per match this season, which could be a vulnerability Marseille exploits.

With top scorer Mason Greenwood in fantastic form, having netted 14 goals so far, and Nantes’ key player Matthis Abline looking to add to his seven goals, we predict an entertaining match.

Recommended bet: Marseille to win the first half, considering their strong offensive line and home advantage. Odds for this bet are 1.83.

Marseille vs Nantes Prediction & Betting Tip

Our recommended bet for this match is for Marseille to win the first half. This tip is based on several compelling factors, including Marseille’s stronger offensive play and their home advantage at the Stade Orange Vélodrome.

Marseille vs Nantes Prediction
Betting Tip	Odds
Marseille to win the first half	1.83

• Home Advantage: Marseille will be playing at home, where they enjoy strong local fan support.

• Offensive Strength: Marseille has displayed good form in recent matches, scoring an average of 2 goals in their last 5 games.

• Nantes’ Defensive Woes: Nantes have struggled defensively, conceding an average of 1.7 goals per game this season.

Marseille vs Nantes Odds

The odds have Marseille as clear favorites to secure a win in this fixture. They enjoy the home advantage at the Stade Orange Vélodrome and have shown good form recently, making them a strong bet.

Marseille vs Nantes Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Marseille	1.39
Draw	4.96
Nantes	7.19
Given the statistics, a bet on Marseille to win the first half also stands out with appealing odds of 1.83. This is supported by Marseille’s strong offensive form and Nantes’ defensive struggles this season.

These betting odds provide a good opportunity for those looking to back the home team in this Ligue 1 showdown.

Marseille Team Analysis

Marseille Recent Performance

Marseille’s recent form has been a bit of a rollercoaster, encapsulating the highs and lows of football. Despite a recent setback against Auxerre, they’ve shown impressive resolve in their preceding games.

Home team	Away team	Result
Auxerre	Marseille	3-0 (Loss)
Marseille	Saint-Etienne	5-1 (Win)
Angers	Marseille	0-2 (Win)
Marseille	Lyon	3-2 (Win)
Nice	Marseille	2-0 (Loss)

Marseille have been potent in attack, averaging 2 goals per match in their last five games, with Mason Greenwood leading the charge. However, defensive stability has been an issue, with only one clean sheet in the same span. This inconsistency has made some matches more thrilling than they perhaps needed to be.

Marseille Key Players

Marseille’s squad boasts several key players who could make a significant impact on the match.
Mason Greenwood is a pivotal figure in the lineup, currently the team’s top scorer with 14 goals. His ability to find the back of the net will be critical as Marseille seeks to maintain their push for the top of the table.
Ismaël Bennacer and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg are set to control the midfield. Their ability to dictate the pace and distribute the ball will be vital in breaking down Nantes’ defense.
In defense, Michael Murillo will have his hands full containing Nantes’ forwards, especially considering Marseille’s shaky defensive record recently.
Expected lineup for Marseille:

• Goalkeeper: Gerónimo Rulli
• Defenders: Michael Murillo, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Leonardo Balerdi
• Midfielders: Luis Henrique, Ismaël Bennacer, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Quentin Merlin
• Attackers: Adrien Rabiot, Mason Greenwood, Amine Gouiri

Key individual battles to watch will include Greenwood against Nantes’ center-backs and Bennacer going toe-to-toe with Douglas Augusto in midfield.

Marseille Suspensions & Injuries

Marseille will have to contend with a few key absences due to injuries and suspensions, which might impact their form against Nantes.

Suspensions

Player	Suspension	Expected return
Derek Cornelius	Yellow/red card	1 match left

Injuries

Player	Injury	Expected return
Ruben Blanco	Knee injury	Mid March 2025
Faris Moumbagna	Knee injury	Mid March 2025
Valentin Rongier	Muscle injury	A few weeks
Luiz Felipe	Physical discomfort	About 1-2 weeks

These absences will shuffle the defensive structure, notably with Cornelius suspended, which might make Marseille’s backline vulnerable. The midfield will miss Rongier’s usual dynamism. However, they do have depth in their squad to cover these gaps.

Marseille Tactics and Formation

Marseille Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
  With Roberto De Zerbi at the helm, Marseille will line up in a versatile 4-4-2 formation.
• Goalkeeper: Gerónimo Rulli
• Defensive Line: Michael Murillo, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Leonardo Balerdi, Quentin Merlin
• Midfield Quartet: Luis Henrique, Ismaël Bennacer, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Adrien Rabiot
• Forward Duo: Mason Greenwood, Amine Gouiri

Key Forward:

• Mason Greenwood, top scorer with 14 goals

Midfield Strategy:

• Bennacer and Højbjerg are crucial for controlling the tempo and transitioning from defense to attack.

Defensive Strength:

• Despite the absence of Derek Cornelius due to suspension, expect Kondogbia and Balerdi to hold the fort.

Notable Strategy:

• Utilises quick transitions and a high press, aiming to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities.

Given the team’s balanced approach and recent strong form, expect De Zerbi’s side to be aggressive right from the start.

Nantes Team Analysis

Nantes Recent Performance

Nantes have had a rollercoaster ride in their recent fixtures, showcasing a mix of solid performances and some heavy defeats. Their recent form reads: Win, Loss, Loss, Win, Draw. Despite their inconsistency, Nantes have managed to stay competitive.

Home team	Away team	Result
Nantes	Lens	3-1 (Win)
Monaco	Nantes	7-1 (Loss)
Nantes	Brest	0-2 (Loss)
Reims	Nantes	1-2 (Win)
Nantes	Lyon	1-1 (Draw)

Nantes score an average of 1.4 goals per game and have struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches.

Nantes’ Key Analysis Points:

• Defensive frailties evident with a severe 7-1 loss to Monaco.
• A positive highlight was their 3-1 victory over Lens.
• Inconsistent defense and no clean sheets in recent fixtures.

Nantes Key Players

Expected lineup for Nantes:

• Goalkeeper: Anthony Lopes
• Defenders: Kelvin Amian, Jean-Charles Castelletto, Saidou Sow, Nicolas Pallois
• Midfielders: Pedro Chirivella, Douglas Augusto, Johann Lepenant
• Attackers: Matthis Abline, Mostafa Mohamed, Moses Simon

Key attacking threats for Nantes include Matthis Abline and Mostafa Mohamed. Abline has been their top scorer with 7 goals and will be crucial in exploiting Marseille’s defense. Moses Simon, on the left wing, adds pace and creativity, setting up potential scoring opportunities.

In midfield, Pedro Chirivella and Douglas Augusto will battle to control the game’s tempo, while defensively, the experienced pair of Jean-Charles Castelletto and Nicolas Pallois must shore up against Marseille’s attackers like Mason Greenwood. The outcome of these individual battles could greatly influence the match.

Nantes Suspensions & Injuries

Injuries

Player	Injury	Expected return
Adel Mahamoud	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season
Tino Kadewere	Muscle injury	Early March 2025
Nathan Zeze	Broken ankle	Early April 2025

Suspensions

Player	Suspension	Expected return
Nicolas Cozza	Red card	1 match

The injury list for Nantes could significantly impact their performance. Adel Mahamoud will be out for the season, dealing a blow to their midfield stability. Tino Kadewere and Nathan Zeze’s injuries also limit Kombouaré’s options up front and defensively.

With Nicolas Cozza suspended due to a red card, their backline will be under added pressure, especially facing a strong attacking side like Marseille. The absence of key players might strain Nantes’ efforts in containing the home team’s offence.

Nantes Tactics and Formation

Nantes Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Matthis Abline
• Midfield Trio: Johann Lepenant, Douglas Augusto, Louis Leroux
• Defensive Strength: Only 1 clean sheet in the last 5 games.
• Notable Strategy: Focus on a balanced attack through the wings.

With Anthony Lopes in goal, Nantes is likely to establish a strong defensive line, despite recent inconsistencies. The backline will feature Kelvin Amian and Nicolas Pallois on the flanks, with Jean-Charles Castelletto and Saidou Sow as central defenders.

Their midfield pairing, Chirivella and Augusto, will aim to shield the defense while facilitating forward moves. Offensively, Nantes relies heavily on Matthis Abline, who is essential for their counter-attacks. The wings, aggressively supported by Moses Simon, promise to be key areas of exploitation.

Marseille vs Nantes Head-to-Head Statistics

Home	Away	Result
Nantes	Marseille	1-2
Marseille	Nantes	2-0
Nantes	Marseille	1-1
Nantes	Marseille	0-2
Marseille	Nantes	2-1

Marseille has a strong record against Nantes in their last five meetings, winning four and drawing one. Historically, Marseille has proven to be the stronger side with consistent victories. The last encounter saw Marseille win 2-1 at Nantes, demonstrating their dominance. Both teams will be familiar with each other’s tactics, setting up an intriguing clash at Stade Orange Vélodrome.

Odds accurate as of 28.02.2025 19:46, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.