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

Marseille visit Lille looking for a win at the Decathlon arena for the first time since 2020

This Saturday in Ligue 1, Lille will be looking to keep their hopes of playing in the Europa League next season alive when they host third-placed Marseille. Marseille have just lost twice in their last 2 games and look in an immaculate touch as a team, where they have been scoring and defending like a textbook team. With 73 points after 35 matches in Ligue 1 2022-23, the second-highest tally for a team ranked third at this stage of the season, behind Nice in 2016-17 (77). Marseille is still in the running to reach the highest points tally in their history (81 in 1991-92, counting 3 points for a win).

Though, they lost their last Ligue 1 away match (1-2) to second-placed Lens on 6 May and could face two consecutive away losses for the first time in the top-flight since March 2021 (0-2 v Lille then 0-3 v Nice).

In a mixed season for the Les Dogues, they have not lost any of their last 14 home games in Ligue 1 (W10 D4), the longest run in the league, they have not done better in their stadium in the top flight since August 2008-April 2009 (15). But concerns for them are when they go up against the top Five, Lille have only won 30% of their Ligue 1 matches this season against teams in the top five before the beginning of the matchday (3/10 – D3 L4). Losc remains on a 3-game winless run in such games (3-4 in Paris, 1-1 in Lens, 0-0 in Monaco).

Paulo Fonseca's team owes its position in the table mainly to its home strength, as only PSG, Lens, and Rennes have recorded more home wins this season. Marseille, on the other hand, have picked up four wins from their last five games. As for away games, apart from PSG, no team in Ligue 1 has recorded more away wins than the visitors this season. However, having not only lost but also failed to score in their last two away games at Lille, they will need to be at their best to take anything from this game.

Kick-off

Saturday, 20-05-2023, 03:00 pm (ET)

Sunday, 21-05-2023, 12:30 pm (IST)

Stadium: Decathlon Arena – Stade Pierre-Mauroy

Olympique Marseille Form (In All Competitions): W- L- W- W- W

Lille Form (In All Competitions): D- L- W- D- W

Player to watch

Olympique Marseille: Alexis Sanchez

The Chile International is making himself settled in the Ligue 1, after doing it in Serie A (36 goals), La Liga (39 goals), and the Premier League (63 goals), Alexis Sanchez (14) could score 15 goals in four of the top five European leagues. In the 21st century, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has reached this milestone in four different leagues which would be some feat considering he was considered beyond his glory days by many. But the truth remains, he still is that player who makes dangerous runs and provides assists while taking defenders on a stroll. He remains the main man for Marseille after Payet has struggled with his form and fitness.

Lille: Jonathan David

Jonathan David is third in the race for the Golden Boot in Ligue 1 this season with 21 goals. The 23-year-old is expected to lead the line despite not scoring in his last three league games which is reflecting on Lille not being able to open scoring in their recent 2 matches. He is Lille’s leading scorer, with 21 goals (on 70 shots) in 33 league games, and has scored 40% of goals for his team; he is the reason for free-flowing football at Lille. His involvement and impact have been much greater this season with 04 assists to his name, the Canadian has been developing as one of the top prospects from outside Europe.

Match Facts

• Lille remains on two games without scoring in Ligue 1 (0-1 in Reims, 0-0 in Monaco) - they have not had a long run since September 2017 (3).
• Lille have attempted the most corners in Ligue 1 this season (201). Rémy Cabella is the player who has received the most corners in L1 2022/23 (21).
• Marseille (43%) and Lille (31%) are the two teams that have won the largest proportion of their matches in which they conceded the first goal in Ligue 1 this season. OM have six wins in L1 2022-23, the highest tally. The last team with more such wins in a single season was St Etienne in 1979-80 (7).

Injury and Team News

Olympique Marseille: Injury: A. Harit (LCL Knee Ligament) & A. Ounahi (Metatarsal Fracture) are both sidelined due to their injuries.

Lille: Injury: E. Zhegrova (knock) and Tiago Djalo (ACL Knee Ligament) are sidelined due to their injuries.

Red Card Suspension: Jose Fonte, Alexsandro Ribeiro

Head to Head stats

Matches – 20

Olympique Marseille – 09

Lille – 05

Draws – 06

Predicted Lineups for Lille vs Marseille

Lille Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

L. Chevalier, Ismaily, G. Gudmundsson, L. Yoro, B. Diakite, A. Gomes, B. Andre, J. Bamba, R. Cabella, T. Weah, J. David

Olympique Marseille Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1)

P. Lopez, S. Kolasinac, L. Balerdi, V. Rongier, J. Clauss, J. Veretout, M. Guendouzi, C. Under, D. Payet, R. Malinovskyi, A. Sanchez

Match Prediction for Lille vs Marseille

Despite Marseille's good away record, they are severely lacking in defense. In the last nine Ligue 1 games, they have managed to keep a clean sheet only once. Since both teams have managed to score at least once in eight of those games, we expect goals on both sides on Saturday night. Lille have won their last two home matches against Marseille in Ligue 1 (each time 2-0, in March 2021 and October 2021) and could have their longest winning run at home in the top-flight against their opponents in the 21st century.

Lille will play against Marseille without their duo of Alexsandro-José Fonté, with both players being suspended. The balance of Losc when the pair is present in the starting XI in Ligue 1 this season is 40% of victories (4/10), against 52% when at least one of the two defenders is not starting (13/25).

Prediction: Lille 2 - 2 Olympique Marseille

Telecast

India –   Sports 18 -1 HD

USA – Bein Sports

United Kingdom - BT Sport

Nigeria- Supersport