Lyon vs Marseille predictions for Sunday’s Ligue 1 clash at Parc Olympique Lyonnais. The Choc des Olympiques, featuring Lyon vs. Marseille, marks Ligue 1’s matchday 20 finale at Groupama Stadium on Sunday evening. Read on for our free Ligue 1 predictions and betting tips.
Ligue 1 | Gameweek 20 – Feb 4, 2024 at 7.45pm UK at Parc Olympique Lyonnais
[wptb id=404818]
Lyon vs Marseille Predictions
[wptb id=406025]
A Fight for Survival and Supremacy: Lyon vs Marseille Preview
Key Stats
– Marseille’s quest for a top-five finish is hindered by their inability to secure clean sheets away from home.
– The historical rivalry adds an extra layer of intensity to a match critical for both teams’ season aspirations.
As the Ligue 1 calendar progresses, Lyon and Marseille prepare to reignite their storied rivalry in the latest edition of the Choc des Olympiques. This encounter not only carries the weight of historical rivalry but also significant implications for both teams’ aspirations this season. With Lyon teetering on the brink of the relegation zone and Marseille eyeing a spot in the top five, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The Stakes at Hand
Lyon’s season has been far from their pre-season aspirations of reclaiming a spot among France’s elite. With just four wins from 19 matches, they find themselves embroiled in a relegation scrap, a scenario almost unthinkable at the season’s outset. Their recent form, despite showing flickers of revival, has been marred by inconsistency and disciplinary issues, epitomized by a loss to Rennes with nine men.
[wptb id=388759]
Conversely, Marseille’s campaign has been marked by resilience and a solid run, placing them within striking distance of European qualification. However, their Achilles’ heel has been their form away from home, failing to secure an away clean sheet, a statistic that Gennaro Gattuso will be keen to amend.
Tactical Dynamics and Lineup Insights
Pierre Sage’s Lyon is expected to lineup with Lopes; Mata, Lovren, O’Brien, Tagliafico; Tolisso, Caqueret, Maitland-Niles; Cherki, Lacazette, Fofana. This setup suggests a blend of experience and youth, with a reliance on Lacazette’s proven goal-scoring ability and Cherki’s flair. However, the absence of key defensive figure Caleta-Car due to suspension could pose challenges at the back.
Marseille’s potential starting XI of Lopez; Clauss, Meite, Balerdi, Garcia; Onana, Kondogbia, Veretout; Henrique, Aubameyang, Correa indicates a balanced approach, with Aubameyang’s predatory instincts upfront and a solid midfield trio designed to control the game’s tempo. Yet, their away form and defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern.
The Battle Grounds and Tactical Match-ups
The midfield battle will likely be a deciding factor, with Lyon’s Caqueret and Tolisso pitted against Marseille’s Kondogbia and Veretout. The ability of either side to dominate this area could dictate the pace and control of the game.
Lyon’s approach under Sage has shown a tendency towards building play from the back and exploiting the wings, a strategy that could test Marseille’s defensive solidity, particularly given their struggles to maintain clean sheets away from home.
Marseille’s potency in attack, led by Aubameyang, presents a significant threat to a Lyon defence that has shown vulnerability. The duel between Aubameyang and Lyon’s central defenders, particularly Lovren, could be pivotal.
Critical Analysis and Predictions
1. Under/Over Goals: Under 2.5 Goals Given both teams’ recent form and the high stakes, a cautious approach is expected. Lyon’s struggle for goals, coupled with Marseille’s defensive focus away from home, suggests a low-scoring affair.
2. Correct Score Prediction: Lyon 1-1 Marseille A draw seems a likely outcome, reflecting both teams’ current form and historical matchups. Lyon’s desperation for points may see them push forward, but Marseille’s resilience and ability to find the net suggest they’ll share the spoils.
3. Goalscorer Prediction: Alexandre Lacazette Lacazette’s role as Lyon’s focal point in attack makes him a prime candidate to find the back of the net. His leadership and experience in big games could prove crucial for Lyon.
4. Team to Score First: Marseille Despite their away form concerns, Marseille’s attacking quality, particularly through Aubameyang and Correa, may see them open the scoring, putting pressure on a Lyon side battling relegation fears.
[wptb id=406025]
Top UK Bookies & Best Sign Up Offers
[wptb id=389092]
Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Exclusive Tips
Want to have exclusive tips from experts tipsters delivered right into your inbox? Subscribe Now To Our Newsletter. We will never spam, we fully respect your privacy!