Ligue 1 2022-23: Marseille vs Paris Saint-Germain: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

On Sunday night, the high flying Parisiens visit Stade Velodrome to face Marseille in order to extend their lead on the top of Ligue 1.

Marseille under Jorge Sampaoli have shown composure and have had a decent season till now. Sitting at 2nd in the table with 52 points on board, the title race is still on for them as a potential title decider awaits against Paris Saint-Germain. Their visit to Stadium TFC in their recent run out in the Ligue 1 was successful as they came from behind to scratch out a 3-2 victory against Toulouse. Marseille have seven wins in Ligue 1 since the post World cup return (D1, L1), only Monaco have as many in the same over the period.

Lionel Messi’s stunning freekick proved to be the decider in the 95th minute for PSG as they came roaring back to win 4-3 against LOSC Lille Metropole after finding themselves 3-2 down in the 87th minute. The resurgent Parisiens have been in a great run of form in the league despite their recent woes in the Champions League. 5 points ahead of their opponents from Sunday night, they will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table and bury any chances of a thrilling title chase. Paris have conceded at least three goals in their last two Ligue 1 games (1-3 at Monaco, 4-3 vs Lille), a first since February 2020 (also 2). PSG have not had a longer such run since January-February 1985 (4).

Kick-off:

Sunday, 26-02-2023; 07:45 pm (GMT)

Monday, 27-02-2023; 01:15 am (IST)

Marseille form (all competition): W-W-W-L-W

PSG form (all competition): W-L-L-L-W

Player to watch

Marseille: Azzedine Ounahi

Despite his slim frame, Ounahi is an aggressive box-to-box midfielder who is as capable of winning in a ground duel as he is of effortlessly evading past five challenges and gliding across the pitch like Teflon, and this is evidenced in his impressive underlying numbers at Marseille this year.

PSG: Kylian Mbappe

He has become a lot more versatile recently as he has developed an ability to drop the wings or play as a proper number 9 depending on the situation. His acceleration and burst of pace is unparalleled. He scored the equalizer against LOSC Lille Metropole in the 87th minute and no wonder will have his eyes set on this fixture.

Match facts

• Afer their 2-1 win in the French Cup on 8th February, Marseille have the opportunity to win two consecutive games in all competitions against Pais fr the first time in the QSI era (since 2011/12).
• For the second season in a row, Marseille and Paris will face each other in their second fixture of the Ligue 1 season while being in the top 2 positions. This is a first in the same fixture since OM-PSG since 1992/93 (Matchday 37) and 1993/94 (MD 23).
• Marseille have only earned 44% of their points at home in Ligue 1 this season (23/52), the second lowest ratio behind Ajaccio (39%).

Injury and team news

Cengiz Under will be missing out on this fixture due to a yellow card suspension and will be available for the next Matchday. It might prove crucial for Jorge Sampaoli as he will lack that inverted forward up front. Samuel Gigot has been out since early February due to an ankle injury and his return date is unexpected. Matteo Guendouzi and Ruslan Malinovskyi have found some game time in the recent weeks and will be looking to make an impact off the bench.

PSG on the other hand will be making the trip to Stade Velodrome without the reliable Neymar in their ranks. He was stretchered off in their fixture against LOSC Lille with an ankle injury. Nuno Mendes is also a concern for Galtier who has a twisted knee as Juan Bernat will likely take his place. Achraf Hakimi also has a hamstring injury which makes him unavailable for this fixture.

Head-to-Head stats (Ligue 1)

Matches Played – 86Paris Saint-Germain – 34Draws – 20Olympique de Marseille – 32 

Full record: Paris Saint-Germain vs Olympique de Marseille: Head-to-Head record

Predicted lineup

Marseille predicted lineup (3-4-3):

P. Lopez; C.Mbemba, Balerdi, Kolasinac; Klauss, Rongier, Veretout, Tavares; Malinovskyi, Ounahi, Sanchez

PSG predicted lineup (4-3-2-1):

Donnarumma; Pembele, Ramos, Kimpembe, Bernat; Vitinha, Verratti, D.Pereira; Soler; Mbappe, Messi

Prediction

PSG have been looking a bit inconsistent in the recent weeks but their away from has not really bothered much throughout this season. Olympique Marseille on the other hand will have to do better at home if they are to have any realistic chances of winning the league. We are keeping Galtier’s men slightly ahead in this fixture due to the class they have in their ranks.

Prediction:  Olympique Marseille 1-2 PSG.

Telecast Details

India- Viacom18

USA- beIN Sports

UK- BT Sport

Nigeria- DAZN