Marseille will face Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in a crucial Ligue 1 matchup on Sunday at the Parc des Princes. This clash marks the 21st round of the season and features high stakes for both teams as the title race intensifies.
Match Preview: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Marseille
Marseille aims for a consecutive league victory over PSG for the first time since 2011. In the reverse fixture earlier this season, Marseille secured a 1-0 win, igniting hopes for a league double over their fierce rivals. Currently third in Ligue 1, Marseille seeks to reduce the nine-point gap to PSG and capitalize on any potential slip-up from Luis Enrique’s side.
Recent Form and Statistics
Roberto De Zerbi’s tenure faced uncertainty after Marseille’s exit from the Champions League in January. However, he remains focused on leading his team to Paris for this vital encounter. Achieving a league double over PSG would mark a significant achievement, given that it hasn’t occurred since the 2009-10 season.
- Marseille has not won consecutive matches against PSG since March and November 2011.
- In their last meeting at the Trophee des Champions, PSG denied Marseille victory with a late goal in stoppage time, resulting in penalties where PSG ultimately triumphed.
- Marseille has recorded two wins in their last five away matches, illustrating inconsistent form on the road.
- Historically, PSG has dominated this fixture at home, winning four straight league matches at the Parc des Princes.
Key Matchup: Title Implications
For PSG, the immediate priority is staying ahead of second-placed Lens, who trail by just two points. With Lens set to face Rennes, any points dropped by PSG could lead to significant pressure heading into the weekend’s game. Despite this, PSG has enjoyed a strong league run, having won six consecutive matches since late November.
PSG’s lethal offense will seek to secure a victory at home against Marseille, as they have done consistently in recent encounters. A win for PSG could significantly diminish Marseille’s title hopes, potentially sealing their fate in the title race.
Team News and Lineups
Achraf Hakimi will miss this match due to suspension. PSG is also monitoring the fitness of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Fabian Ruiz, and Quentin Ndjantou ahead of the game. Ousmane Dembele, who has scored five goals this season, looks to be a decisive presence against Marseille.
On the other hand, Marseille has Nayef Aguerd as their lone injury concern, as De Zerbi prepares his squad for this critical clash.
Predicted Lineups
| Paris Saint-Germain | Marseille |
|---|---|
| Safonov | Rulli |
| Zaire-Emery | Weah |
| Marquinhos | Balerdi |
| Pacho | Medina |
| Mendes | Emerson |
| Mayulu | Hojbjerg |
| Vitinha | Timber |
| Neves | Greenwood |
| Doue | Nwaneri |
| Dembele | Paixao |
| Barcola | Gouiri |
As both teams prepare for this thrilling encounter, fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be another exciting edition of Le Classique. Observers predict a close match, with many favoring PSG to edge out Marseille, perhaps by a narrow margin of 3-2.
