Marseille host relegation-threatened Nantes in a Ligue 1 fixture, aiming to strengthen their position in the race for European qualification. With their sights set on a strong finish to the season, the home side should be too good for their struggling opponents.
The hosts come into this clash after a surprising 3-0 loss at Auxerre, ending a run of three straight Ligue 1 wins. Sitting 14 points off the pace, catching leaders PSG seems a bridge too far.
Marseille will be keen to consolidate second place and secure a return to the Champions League.
While their away form has been shaky, Marseille remain strong at home and are unbeaten in their last six matches, claiming four wins in that run. However, Roberto De Zerbi’s men continue to struggle defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last nine league matches at the Orange Velodrome.
Nantes come into this clash following a 3-1 win over Lens, keeping them five points above the relegation zone. That was a vital win for Antoine Kombouare’s men, who had lost their previous two fixtures and were beaten 7-1 by Monaco in their last away match.
That result at Monaco highlights a poor away record for Nantes, who are winless in nine of their last 10 Ligue 1 matches. They have suffered some heavy defeats in that run, with a 4-1 loss at Brest coming before the thrashing against the Monegasques.
How the bookies view it: Marseille overwhelming favourites
Marseille have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies, with BoyleSports offering odds of 2/5 for a home win. A victory for Nantes is valued at 5/1 while a draw is set at odds of 15/4 by BoyleSports.
Head to head: Dominant Marseille
Marseille have a 22-14 advantage with 13 draws from 49 previous matches against Nantes. They have also won the last three meetings and claimed a 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture back in December, with Mason Greenwood among the goals.
Players to watch: Reliable Greenwood
Greenwood is the leading scorer for Marseille this season with 14 Ligue 1 goals and will be the one to watch on Sunday. The forward netted the winner in the reverse fixture and is priced at 11/10 by BoyleSports to find the net once again.
Nantes’ top scorer, Matthis Abline, has seven league goals and has scored in his last two away games. The striker could be worth keeping an eye on and is priced at 7/2 by BoyleSports to get on the score sheet.
Probable line-ups
Marseille have no new injury concerns aside from sidelined teenager Robinio Vaz. Pol Lirola could replace the suspended Derek Cornelius in defense, while Greenwood and Amine Gouiri are set to lead the attack while Adrien Rabiot and Ismael Bennacer should retain their spots in midfield.
Nantes will be without Fabien Centonze, Philana Kadewere and Nathan Zeze due to injuries, while Nicolas Cozza serves a suspension. Moses Simon, Matthis Abline, and Mostafa Mohamed are expected to start in attack.
Marseille: Rulli, Murillo, Kondogbia, Lirola, Henrique, Bennacer, Hojbjerg, Merlin, Rabiot, Greenwood, Gouiri
Nantes: Lopes, Pallios, Castelletto, Sow, Amian, Lepenant, Leroux, Augusto, Simon, Mohamed, Abline
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams have scored in each of Marseille’s last eight home league games and this trend is expected to continue at odds of 3/4 with BoyleSports. The hosts have won three of their last five home league games whilst producing over 2.5 goals and a repeat is pegged at 13/10 with BoyleSports.
Marseille have scored in both halves in the last two matches against Nantes and a similar outcome is valued at 11/10 with Boylesports.
This French Ligue 1 match between Marseille and Nantes will be played on and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Marseille vs Nantes prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
