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Marseille returns to the Orange Velodrome following a recent dip in form, having suffered two consecutive defeats. Meanwhile, reigning champions PSG come into the match on the back of a resounding 6-0 victory over Montpellier HSC before the international break.
The initial optimism surrounding Marseille's new head coach, Jean-Louis Gasset, has somewhat faded after a promising start. Gasset's appointment raised eyebrows, especially given his previous dismissal from the Ivory Coast national team during the Africa Cup of Nations. Despite a strong initial run of five consecutive wins, Marseille stumbled with a 2-0 loss to Rennes in their last league outing.
Currently sitting in seventh place in the league standings, Marseille trails Lens by three points. However, their chances of securing European qualification remain high, particularly with an intriguing Europa League quarter-final clash against Benfica on the horizon.
Marseille can draw confidence from their impressive home form at the Orange Velodrome, where they have won their last four games in all competitions and have yet to suffer a defeat in regular time this season.
On the other hand, PSG, having overcome the Kylian Mbappe transfer saga, have returned to winning ways with back-to-back victories. Mbappe himself delivered a standout performance in their last outing, scoring a hat-trick in a thrilling 6-2 win over Montpellier HSC. With a comfortable 12-point lead atop the league table, PSG approaches the Orange Velodrome clash with an impressive 24-game unbeaten run.
Recent history also favors PSG in Le Classique encounters, with the Parisian side emerging victorious in their last two meetings with Marseille, outscoring them by an aggregate score of 7-0.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
The medical staff at Marseille are working tirelessly ahead of Sunday's eagerly anticipated derby. Unfortunately, winger Ismaila Sarr is unlikely to feature as he is expected to miss this match and the next three weeks due to a hamstring injury.Right-back Jonathan Clauss is also facing a potential month-long absence after sustaining a similar hamstring issue while on duty with France. He joins a growing list of sidelined defenders including Amir Murillo, Samuel Gigot, Bamo Meite, Leonardo Balerdi, and Ulisses Garcia. Additionally, midfielder Valentin Rongier is recovering from knee surgery, and Jean Onana is also unavailable.
There is some hope that Balerdi and Gigot could be fit to bolster Marseille's defense against PSG. Otherwise, the home team may have to call upon players from their B team to fill the gaps.
Meanwhile, PSG has their own defensive worries, with Milan Skriniar, Presnel Kimpembe, and Marquinhos all nursing injuries. Layvin Kurzawa is also sidelined.
In attack, Bradley Barcola's hamstring injury suffered while playing for the France Under-23s will keep him out for several weeks, joining Marco Asensio in the treatment room. This paves the way for Goncalo Ramos to join PSG's attacking trio alongside Randal Kolo Muani and Kylian Mbappe, who already boasts an impressive tally of 24 goals in as many matches this season.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Marseille possible starting lineup:Lopez; Mbemba, Balerdi, Merlin; Harit, Kondogbia, Ounahi, Veretout, Henrique; Aubameyang, Ndiaye
Paris Saint-Germain possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Hakimi, Pereira, Beraldo, Mendes; Lee, Ugarte, Vitinha; Kolo Muani, Ramos, Mbappe
EXPERT PREDICTION
Marseille 1-2 PSG
Marseille has been dealt several harsh blows in terms of defender availability, making their impressive home record at the Orange Velodrome likely to be tested against the dominant leaders. Despite the international break offering Gasset and his team a chance to regroup, their depleted defense might struggle against PSG's formidable attack.
However, Marseille's well-equipped midfield and attack can still pose a threat to PSG's own injury-hit defense. Nevertheless, PSG's forwards will likely be eager to exploit the vulnerabilities of their depleted Classique opponents.
