AS Monaco vs Marseille: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Matchday 7 of Ligue 1 2023-24 is set to be underway

The stage is set for a riveting showdown in the heart of French football as AS Monaco prepares to lock horns with Olympique de Marseille in Ligue 1. The anticipation is palpable, not just because of the clash on the pitch, but also due to the intriguing narratives off it. As Gennaro Gattuso takes charge of his first game as Marseille's manager, the footballing world holds its breath in anticipation of what promises to be a thrilling encounter at the Stade Louis-II.

The build-up to this fixture is framed by contrasting narratives. Monaco, with their prolific scoring prowess, find themselves as the early high-flyers in Ligue 1. Having netted an impressive 15 goals in just six outings, they sit atop the league's scoring charts, averaging over two goals per game. Their attack has been in blistering form, finding the back of the net consistently, and they seem determined to maintain their winning momentum.

On the other side of the spectrum, we have Marseille, a team in transition and turmoil. The departure of former manager Marcelino amid fan unrest and internal conflicts left a void that Gattuso now steps into. Before his arrival, Marseille had shown early promise under Marcelino, avoiding defeat in their opening five games. However, last weekend's disheartening 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) left them bruised and demoralized.

Gennaro Gattuso, the Italian tactician renowned for his combative playing style during his playing days, faces a daunting task ahead. His appointment came on the heels of an underwhelming stint at Valencia, where he managed just seven wins in 22 matches between June 2022 and January 2023. Marseille's faithful fans expect nothing less than a complete turnaround under his guidance.

The challenge for Gattuso is multifaceted. Firstly, he must rebuild the team's confidence after the PSG debacle. Registering not a single shot on target and possessing just 23% of the ball in that match, Marseille's performance was dire. Gattuso's first task is to instill belief and tactical discipline among his players, rekindling the spirit that had seen them start the season positively.

Kick-Off:

Sunday, October 1, 2023, 12:30 AM (IST) at Stade Louis II, in Fontvieille, Monaco.

Form

Monaco: W W D W D L

Marseille: W D W D D L

Players to Watch

Wissam Ben Yedder (Monaco)

Wissam Ben Yedder is a right-footed professional football player from France who is 33 years old and was born on August 12, 1990. Wissam Ben Yedder, a Sarcelles native, has previously represented Toulouse in the Coupe de France and Sevilla in the Copa del Rey. He now represents Monaco as a Striker (Centre) in Ligue 1.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Marseille)

Star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left Premier League powerhouse Chelsea on Friday to join Ligue 1 team Olympique de Marseille. Aubameyang, who previously played for St. Etienne from 2010 to 2013, thus makes a decade-long comeback to France. The 34-year-old's professional career has been turbulent over the past two years when he moved from Arsenal to FC Barcelona in LaLiga during the winter transfer window of the 2021–2022 season.

Match facts

• AS Monaco and Olympique Marseille games typically end with a score of 1-2. This outcome has been the finish of ten games.
• The last 27 matches between AS Monaco and Olympique Marseille have resulted in 11 wins for AS Monaco, 5 draws, and 11 victories for Olympique Marseille. AS Monaco is up by a score of 41 to 33.
• In the previous 59 confrontations, AS Monaco has prevailed 18 times, while Olympique Marseille has triumphed 25 times. Olympique Marseille is up 84-81 in goal differential.

Team news and Injury

Both Monaco and Marseille have their fair share of injury concerns going into this encounter. For Monaco, the list includes Eliesse Ben Seghir (thigh), Edan Diop (foot), Breel Embolo (knee), Caio Henrique (knee), and Mohammed Salisu (unspecified). These absences will undoubtedly give Hutter selection dilemmas in various departments.

On the other hand, Marseille will miss the services of long-term absentee Pedro Ruiz, who is sidelined due to a cruciate ligament injury. Additionally, new signings Geoffrey Kondogbia and Ismaila Sarr are also expected to be unavailable for Saturday's clash. This injury predicament further complicates Gattuso's task of assembling a competitive starting XI.

Head-to-Head

Matches: 35

Monaco:  13

Draw:  7

Marseille: 15

Predicted Lineup for AS Monaco vs Marseille

AS Monaco Predicted Lineup :

Kohn; Singo, Zakaria, Magassa; Vanderson, Camara, Fofana, Henrique; Minamino, Golovin; Ben-Yedder

Marseille Predicted Lineup:

Lopez; Mbemba, Gigot, Balerdi; Clauss, Rongier, Ounahi, Veretout, Lodi; Oliveir, Aubameyang

Match Prediction for AS Monaco vs Marseille

With Monaco's potent attacking force and Marseille's recent struggles, it's natural to wonder how this match will play out. While Gattuso's arrival has the potential to rejuvenate Marseille, he faces a baptism of fire against a Monaco side that seems to have no trouble finding the back of the net.

The unpredictability of football often defies logic, but based on recent form, Monaco may have the upper hand. Their ability to score goals consistently gives them a distinct advantage

Prediction: Monaco: 3-1: Marseille

Football is a game of uncertainties, where the underdogs often rise to the occasion and where new managers like Gennaro Gattuso can quickly turn the tide. While the odds may seem stacked against Marseille, football has a knack for surprises. As the players step onto the pitch at the Stade Louis-II, the hopes and dreams of fans from both sides will be pinned on their heroes. Regardless of the outcome, this clash between Monaco and Marseille promises to be a spectacle, and football fans are in for a treat this weekend. So, grab your jerseys and snacks, and get ready to witness the drama unfold on the pitch. The beautiful game never disappoints!

Telecast

India – Sports 18 Networks

UK– TNT Sports

US – beIN Sports

Nigeria – CANAL+, TV5Monde