Marseille vs. Saint-Etienne Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 15 February 2025 - bettingexpert

As the 22nd round of Ligue 1 unfolds, second-placed Marseille are set to host 16th-placed Saint-Etienne at the iconic Stade Orange Vélodrome. This clash on 15 February 2025 is crucial for both teams, with Marseille vying for the title and a Champions League spot, and Saint-Etienne fighting to stave off relegation.

Marseille, under the guidance of Roberto De Zerbi, come into this game as clear favourites with bookmaker odds of 1.26 for a win. They are well-positioned in the league standings with 43 points, and they’ve shown decent form with two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five games. Key players like Mason Greenwood, who has netted 13 goals this season, will be pivotal. Saint-Etienne’s poor form, with three losses and two draws in their last five matches, doesn’t bode well for them.

Notably, Marseille have a tendency to score most of their goals between the 61st and 75th minute, an aspect that could be critical during the match. Given the recent history and current form, our recommended bet is a draw with Marseille winning by a two-goal margin.

Referee Abdelatif Kherradji will oversee proceedings in what is expected to be an intense encounter. Keep an eye on future Marseille transfer targets like Jean-Philippe Mateta, whose presence could significantly bolster the team’s attacking prowess.

Marseille vs Saint-Etienne Prediction & Betting Tip

• Recommend our betting tip (recommended tip) in an NLP-friendly way and explain why it has been chosen using {Match tips} and {Match facts}.
  Given the substantial difference in quality and recent form, our recommended betting tip for this fixture is to bet on a draw with Marseille winning by a two-goal margin. Marseille, currently 2nd in the league, are the stronger side and likely to dominate the match, while Saint-Etienne struggle near the relegation zone.
  | Marseille vs Saint-Etienne Prediction | |
  |—————————————-|———————————–|
  | Betting tip | Odds |
  | Draw – Marseille (-2) (EH) | 4.33 |

Key Reasons:

• Marseille are in better form and have a solid home record.
• Saint-Etienne have struggled defensively, conceding an average of 2.1 goals per game.
• Marseille’s prolific scoring between 61-75 minutes could secure a comfortable margin.

Expect an intense encounter with Marseille likely to leverage their superior form and home advantage to secure a vital win.

Marseille vs Saint-Etienne Odds

Marseille vs Saint-Etienne Betting Odds
Marseille to Win	1.26
Draw	5.97
Saint-Etienne to Win	9.92

The odds clearly favor a Marseille victory, reflecting their strong form and higher league position. A win for Marseille is highly likely, as they sit 2nd in the table and have displayed solid home performances this season.
Saint-Etienne, struggling in 16th place, face long odds and will need a remarkable effort to pull off an upset. A draw, while still a long shot, is more plausible but less rewarding.
For bettors, Marseille appears to be the safest option.

Marseille Team Analysis

Marseille Recent Performance

Marseille’s recent performance has been a mix of victories, draws, and a loss. Here’s a look at their last five matches:

Home team	Away team	Result
Angers	Marseille	0-2 (Win)
Marseille	Lyon	3-2 (Win)
Nice	Marseille	2-0 (Loss)
Marseille	Strasbourg	1-1 (Draw)
Marseille	Lille	1-1 (Loss, PS: 3-4)

Marseille currently sits 2nd in Ligue 1, showing respectable form, particularly with their average of 2 goals scored per game in the last five matches.
Despite scoring steadily, they have kept only one clean sheet in that same span. Their offense is bolstered by top scorer Mason Greenwood, while their defense, although generally sturdy, can show vulnerabilities.

Marseille Key Players

Marseille boasts several key players who will likely be pivotal in the upcoming match against Saint-Etienne. Leading the attack will be top scorer Mason Greenwood, with an impressive 13 goals this season.
In midfield, Ismaël Bennacer and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg provide stability and creativity, making them crucial for ball control and transitioning play.
Defensively, Gerónimo Rulli between the posts and the trio of Michael Murillo, Leonardo Balerdi, and Derek Cornelius are tasked with keeping the opposition at bay.
Expected lineup for Marseille:

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

Key individual battles to watch include Greenwood against Saint-Etienne’s defense, led by Mickaël Nadé and Dylan Batubinsika.

Marseille Suspensions & Injuries

Marseille is currently dealing with several injuries that may impact their performance against Saint-Etienne.

Player	Injury	Expected return
Ruben Blanco	Knee injury	Late February 2025
Faris Moumbagna	Knee injury	Late February 2025
Valentin Rongier	Muscle injury	A few weeks
Amine Harit	Calf injury	Late February 2025
Valentin Rongier	Illness	About 1-2 weeks

These injuries leave coach Roberto De Zerbi with fewer options, particularly in midfield, where Valentin Rongier and Amine Harit are typically key players.
While the team remains strong, their depth will be tested during this period. The absence of these players could influence their defensive stability and midfield control against Saint-Etienne.

Marseille Tactics and Formation

Marseille Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Mason Greenwood (13 goals)
• Midfield Engine: Ismael Bennacer, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg
• Defensive Setup: Three centre-backs

Marseille usually opts for a 3-4-2-1, designed to dominate midfield and allow for fluid transitions between defence and attack. Their three-at-the-back system provides defensive solidity, while wingbacks like Luis Henrique push forward to support the attack. In midfield, Bennacer and Højbjerg are pivotal for both defensive duties and initiating attacks. Key player Mason Greenwood, with 13 goals this season, tends to exploit spaces between defenders, supported by playmakers like Adrien Rabiot. Expect Marseille to double down on their strong offensive periods, particularly between the 61-75 minutes, which they’ve capitalised on this season.

Saint-Etienne Team Analysis

Saint-Etienne Recent Performance

Saint-Etienne has struggled in recent weeks, managing only two draws and suffering three losses in their last five matches, displaying a worrying trend. Their recent form (LLDDL) indicates they’re finding it hard to turn opportunities into wins.
The team has also found scoring difficult, averaging just 0.80 goals per game in their last five matches. Defensively, they’ve failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five games, underscoring a porous backline.

Home team	Away team	Result
Saint-Etienne	Rennes	0-2 (Loss)
Lille	Saint-Etienne	4-1 (Loss)
Auxerre	Saint-Etienne	1-1 (Draw)
Saint-Etienne	Nantes	1-1 (Draw)
Paris Saint-Germain	Saint-Etienne	2-1 (Loss)

In summary, Saint-Etienne has struggled on both ends of the pitch, a concern as they face a strong Marseille side.

Saint-Etienne Key Players

Expected lineup for Saint-Etienne:

• Goalkeeper: Gautier Larsonneur
• Defenders: Dennis Appiah, Mickael Nade, Dylan Batubinsika, Leo Petrot
• Midfielders: Benjamin Bouchouari, Pierre Ekwah, Louis Mouton
• Attackers: Augustine Boakye, Lucas Stassin, Zuriko Davitashvili

Zuriko Davitashvili, with 7 goals this season, is Saint-Etienne’s top scorer and will be pivotal in their attack.
Key midfielders like Benjamin Bouchouari and Pierre Ekwah are crucial in linking play and providing defensive cover.
A notable individual battle will be between Saint-Etienne’s forwards and Marseille’s central defenders. Davitashvili versus Leonardo Balerdi could determine the flow of the game.
Saint-Etienne’s strategy may hinge on how well these key players can perform against Marseille’s strong lineup.

Saint-Etienne Suspensions & Injuries

Player	Injury	Expected return
Ben Old	Unknown	Late February 2025
Ibrahima Wadji	Unknown	Late February 2025
Aimen Moueffek	Illness	Late February 2025

Saint-Etienne have a few key players sidelined due to injuries. Ben Old and Ibrahima Wadji are expected to return in late February, along with Aimen Moueffek. Their absences could force Eirik Horneland to rethink his strategy and potentially reshuffle his squad.

With these injuries, Saint-Etienne might struggle to maintain defensive solidity and attacking sharpness. The team will need its fit players to step up to cover the gap left by these sidelined members, especially against a formidable side like Marseille.

Saint-Etienne Tactics and Formation

Saint-Etienne’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Zuriko Davitashvili
• Midfield Trio: Benjamin Bouchouari, Pierre Ekwah, Louis Mouton
• Defensive Setup: Dennis Appiah, Mickael Nade, Dylan Batubinsika, Leo Petrot
• Goalkeeper: Gautier Larsonneur

Eirik Horneland sticks with a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on a balanced approach between attack and defence. Upfront, their key forward, Zuriko Davitashvili, leads the attack, supported by Augustine Boakye and Lucas Stassin on the wings.

In midfield, Bouchouari, Ekwah, and Mouton are pivotal for both defensive cover and link-up play. The defence, featuring Appiah and Petrot as full-backs, aims to keep a solid backline, although they’ve struggled lately, conceding 2.1 goals on average per match. Larsonneur will be crucial in preventing further defensive lapses against a formidable Marseille attack.

Marseille vs Saint-Etienne Head-to-Head Statistics

Home	Away	Result
Saint-Etienne	Marseille	0-4
Saint-Etienne	Marseille	0-2
Saint-Etienne	Marseille	2-4
Marseille	Saint-Etienne	3-1
Saint-Etienne	Marseille	1-2

In their last five meetings, Marseille has dominated Saint-Etienne, winning all the matches.
The most recent encounter was a 4-0 thrashing in December 2024. Marseille has consistently scored multiple goals against Saint-Etienne, highlighting their offensive strength.
Saint-Etienne will need to tighten up defensively to stand a chance against such a prolific opponent.

Odds accurate as of 13/02/2025 16:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.