Fresh from successful midweek European outings, Marseille and Monaco return to domestic action on Sunday as they clash at the Stade Velodrome in round 16 of Ligue 1.
Les Phoceens overturned an early 1-0 deficit to edge a thrilling five-goal encounter away at Union SG in the Champions League, while Monaco secured a crucial victory at home against Galatasaray on the same night.
Sunday’s clash marks the final Ligue 1 fixture of 2025 for both sides, who will be looking to end the year on a high following recent struggles in the competition.
Marseille aim to avoid going three consecutive league matches without a win for only the second time under Roberto De Zerbi, following a draw with Toulouse and a loss to Lille. That run has left them third in the standings, four points behind leaders Lens.
Meanwhile, Monaco have managed just one victory in their last five top-flight outings, suffering defeats in the other four, as many as they lost in their previous 21 Ligue 1 fixtures (W12, D5).
Sebastien Pocognoli’s side now sit seventh, five points off the top four, making victory this weekend vital for their hopes of another Champions League berth.
How the bookies view it: Les Phoceens have the edge
Both teams enter on the back of European wins, but the odds suggest bookies are more wary of Monaco’s league slump. Marseille, despite recent struggles, are favoured at 19/20 on Betano, while the visitor’s 19/5 reflects their underdog status.
Recent head-to-head: Evenly balanced record
H2H meetings have been tightly contested, with the two sides winning four matches each in their last 10 meetings. Last season, both teams triumphed on their home turf, so Marseille will be looking to make the most of their home advantage once again.
Players to watch: Mason Greenwood fired up following continental performance
Mason Greenwood impressed against Union midweek, scoring twice to inspire Marseille to victory. The 24-year-old forward has been quiet in his last two league games and will be eager to end his short drought, buoyed by his recent continental exploits.
While Monaco have struggled in the league, history gives Maghnes Akliouche a chance to shine — the 23-year-old has scored three goals in four games against Marseille.
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Probable line-ups
Marseille: Rulli; Pavard, Balerdi, Aguerd; Weah, Nadir, Vermeeren, Palmieri; Greenwood, Paixao; Aubameyang
Monaco: Hradecky; Vanderson, Kehrer, Salisu, Henrique; Camara, Zakaria; Akliouche, Minamino, Golovin; Balogun
Anything else that catches the eye?
Marseille have netted two or more goals in 12 of their last 14 competitive home matches, and with Monaco conceding at least as many in five of their eight away games this season, more of the same can be expected.
While the visitors have been vulnerable defensively, they have also found the net in seven of their last nine league trips, while both teams scored in four of Marseille’s last six home games.
Monaco have lost nine of their 17 league away matches this year (W4, D4), so a similar outcome is possible, as seen in last season’s corresponding fixture.
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