Marseille will be targeting a positive start as they begin their Ligue 1 campaign with a trip to Brest on Saturday. Marseille will be looking to build on a solid preseason and should have the edge over Brest, who have struggled in the build-up to the new season.
Brest were one of the surprise teams in Ligue 1 last season as they enjoyed a solid campaign and finished third. They will be targeting at least a repeat of that feat but may struggle to cope with the extra schedule of playing in the Champions League.
Preseason was a bit rough for Brest as they are currently on a five-match losing run and were beaten 1-0 by Newcastle United in their final warm-up fixture. They have also lost star defender Lilian Brassier, who has joined Marseille.
Marseille were far from their best last season as they struggled to build any kind of consistency, and eventually finished eighth. They are heading into a transitional season under manager Roberto de Zerbi and will be targeting an improvement.
It has been a busy transfer window for Marseille, who have brought in the likes of Mason Greenwood, Ismael Kone and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. There was plenty of promise shown in preseason as they have won their last four matches and claimed a 3-1 victory over Augsburg in their final warm-up game.
How the bookies view it: Evenly matched rivals
There is nothing to separate both teams among the bookies with a win for Brest priced at 6/4 by Betfred, who is also offering 6/4 for a Marseille victory. A draw is set at odds of 11/5 by Betfred.
Head to head: Marseille with the edge
Marseille have an 8-4 advantage with three draws from 15 previous matches against Brest. Both teams won their home fixture last season with Marseille winning 2-0 at Orange Velodrome while Brest claimed a 1-0 victory at the Stade Francis-Le Ble.
Players to watch: Debut goal for Greenwood
Greenwood comes to Marseille with high expectations after a fine loan spell at Getafe and has already caught the eye in preseason. The forward could be worth keeping an eye on to find the net on Saturday at 11/5 by Betfred.
Romain Del Castillo was one of the standout players for Brest last season and finished as their top scorer with eight Ligue 1 goals. The attacker will be the one to watch on Saturday and is priced at 11/4 with Betfred.
Probable line-ups
Ludovic Ajorque was the major summer signing for Brest and should start in attack on Saturday alongside Romain Del Castillo. Axel Cambian should start in midfield, while Brendan Chardonnet is set to feature in midfield.
Lilian Brassier should start at the back for Marseille against his former club and should partner with Leonardo Balerdi. Fellow summer signings Greenwood and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg should also get their debuts on Saturday.
Brest: Bizot, Lala, Chardonnet, Le Cardinal, Amazing, Pereira, Martin Magnetti, Camaraderie, Ajorque, Del Castillo
Marseille: Rulli, Murillo, Brassier, Balerdi, Merlin, Harit, Hojbjerg, Kondogbia, Greenwood, Greenwood, Luis Henrique, Moumbagna
Anything else catch the eye?
Given the attacking quality on display, goals could be expected on Saturday. Over 2.5 goals is priced at 10/11 by Betfred, who is also offering odds of 9/4 for over 3.5 goals.
Marseille are expected to have the upper hand on Saturday and could be backed to score first at 19/20 by Betfred.
This French Ligue 1 match between Brest and Marseille will be played on Aug 17, 2024 and kick off at 16:00. Check below for our tipsters best Brest vs Marseille prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
