Big Game Focus: Monaco v Marseille

Ligue 1 will resume this weekend and here is a closer look at the big game of the weekend in the French top flight, as Monaco host Marseille.

Monaco and Marseille have started their Ligue 1 campaigns with big victories over Nantes and Toulouse 3-1 and 4-0 respectively. However, their form collapsed in the following weeks where they have both lost and drawn in their last two outings.

Monaco, in particular, are going through a tough period after three defeats and only a victory in five games in all competitions. Since their humble defeat by the hands of PSG in the Champions Trophy, Leonardo Jardim’s team look like a shadow of their former self. The course is full of pitfalls, and if they fail to gain momentum with this match, they may continue this bad form.

The Phocaeans are also out of motivation after their defeat against Nimes, a newly promoted side. This match will be very important for both teams and below is a discussion on likely outcomes.

Betting preview

Both teams have scored in five of the last six games between Monaco and Marseille. The same is true for two of their last encounters in Ligue 1. Both Teams to Score looks like an interesting selection for this match with its good odds of 1.50.

There have been a total of 11 goals in the last two games between Monaco and Marseille. The last four meetings between the two teams have seen at least four goals per game. Keep peace of mind by backing Over 2.5 Goals at odds of 1.60 this way.

Monaco have won five of their last six games against Marseille but owing to their last two fixtures there is a good chance for a Double Chance 1 / X at odds of 1.55 here.

Team news

Monaco completed the transfer of Nacer Chadli last night, and he will be expected to fill the space left by Keita Baldé who left for Milan. He will not play this weekend, but his presence may be able to raise the spirits of his new teammates.

The Phoceans could be without Adil Rami and Florian Thauvin who were called to represent their country in the Uefa League of Nations. Steve Mandanda is still healing a thigh injury and may not be available.

Possible teams

Monaco: Benaglio; Al.Touré, Glik, Jemerson, Barreca; Aholou, Tielemans, R.Lopes, Jovetic, S.Diop; Falcao

Marseille: Y.Pelé; B.Sarr, Rami, Caleta-Car, Amavi; M.Sanson, Luiz Gustavo, Thauvin, Payet, Ocampos; Germain