Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Dachbet
In what is a heavyweight Ligue 1 showdown on Friday night, Lille will welcome Marseille to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
Lille
Starting with the hosts, while Lille might have entered November’s international break with back-to-back defeats, Les Dogues have come roaring back in an impressive fashion over the past fortnight. Last seen putting in a gritty performance as they clinched a 1-0 victory away at Le Havre, Bruno Genesio’s side now have their sights set on finding a route into bronze medal position. Getting their Europa League charge back on track thanks to a thumping 4-0 win against Dinamo Zagreb, Lille have won each of their previous three appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 9-2. Likewise, Genesio’s camp will also be excited by their extended dominance on home soil. Including a stellar 6-1 romp against Metz on October 26th, the Mastiffs have won their last four straight showdowns in front of their own supporters by an aggregate score of 15-3.
Lille Team News
Shown a straight red card away at Le Havre last weekend, 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi will miss out through suspension here. However, still dealing with a long-term thigh issue and not featuring since the middle of September, Brazilian defender Alexsandro remains on the sidelines.
Coming off the bench and bagging the winner in Normandy, summer recruit and former Rangers striker Hamza Igamane could be handed a full recall. Completing a permanent switch from St. Liege ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, Belgium international Nathan Ngoy will partner Aissa Mandi at the back.
Marseille
As for the visitors, suffering last-gasp heartbreak at home against Toulouse last weekend as they eventually had to settle for a dramatic 2-2 stalemate against Toulouse, Marseille are seeking an immediate response here. Marking their return from November’s international break with a sensational 5-1 romp away at Nice, Roberto De Zerbi’s men have registered 10 points from their previous four appearances across all competitions. Mounting a Champions League comeback against Newcastle last week as they snatched a 2-1 win at the Stade Velodrome, Friday’s guests have also gained a reputation for their clinical displays in the final third. Despite recording just a pair of clean sheets since the start of October, Marseille have notched 35 Ligue 1 strikes this season and comfortably hold the best-attacking tally among France’s elite.
Marseille Team News
Enduring a real struggle since completing a season-long loan switch from Bournemouth and not featuring since the end of August, Hamed Junior Traore remains on the sidelines. However, recently returning from a muscle issue, former Atletico Madrid midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia could get some more minutes under his belt.
Making a real impact since arriving at the Stade Velodrome over the summer and now registering seven direct goal contributions in his last five outings for club and country, one-time Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will play a leading role in the final third.
Lille vs Marseille Key Factors to Consider
- When Lille and Marseille last met back on May 4th, Friday’s opponents played out a 1-1 stalemate at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
- Lille have won their previous four consecutive home fixtures by an aggregate score of 15-3.
- Already notching 35 goals in their first 14 Ligue 1 appearances this season, Marseille hold comfortably the best-attacking return among France’s elite.
- Les Phoceens have recorded just a pair of clean sheets since the start of October.
- Along with each of their previous four meetings, seven of the last eight showdowns between Lille and Marseille have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
In a showdown between two French heavyweights this weekend, we could be treated to a thrilling affair from the Stade Pierre-Mauroy. With Lille and Marseille playing out a 1-1 stalemate when they last met back on May 4th, it should be highlighted that Friday’s opponents have a habit of producing fireworks when they meet. Along with each of their previous four meetings across all competitions, seven of their last eight showdowns have finished with both teams finding the net. Two camps who have their sights set on punching their own respective Champions League tickets this season, chances could come thick and fast.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Dachbet