On Sunday, Marseille will look to extend their impressive start in the 2024-25 Ligue 1 season when they visit Stade de la Meinau to face Strasbourg. As joint leaders in the league, Marseille are eager to keep momentum after an emphatic 3-2 win against Lyon last weekend; while Strasbourg are hoping for better consistency under new coach Liam Rosenior as they try and gain three points against Lille three days prior.
Match Preview of Strasbourg and Their Tactical Shift
Liam Rosenior’s first season as Strasbourg’s manager has been marked by an aggressive, attack-minded style of play, resulting in high-scoring matches but mixed results. Three out of their five Ligue 1 matches produced four or more goals; yet only managed one victory: 3-1 over Rennes.
Strasbourg have demonstrated their prowess at home this season, going unbeaten over their past three matches at Stade de la Meinau and not suffering their first home Ligue 1 loss since April when Nice triumphed 3-1 there. At five games played so far this campaign, Rosenior has collected six points–just one less than Patrick Vieira managed at this same stage last season.
Strasbourg have displayed an alarming pattern this season of failing to hold their leads when taking an advantage. They have lost seven points when leading in domestic matches this season – which could prove costly when facing Marseille’s strong second-half performances.
On Sunday, Strasbourg would make history. They could mark their 1,000th victory across all competitions while surpassing seven points after six Ligue 1 matchdays for the first time since returning to top-flight play during the 2017-18 season.
Marseille Under Roberto De Zerbi: Off to an Impressive Start
Marseille under new manager Roberto De Zerbi have made an incredible start to Ligue 1. Unbeaten through five matches and currently tied with Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco with 13 points each, Les Phoceens have proven particularly potency up front, scoring 15 goals so far – their highest total at this early point since 1954-55!
Marseille has made an incredible start to their campaign this season thanks to their resilience; coming back from behind in the second half to secure four points despite trailing by one at halftime and scoring four of five goals after halftime! At the same time, their defence has remained sturdy; conceding just one goal in their season opener against Brest.
Marseille have had an exceptional run away from home since 2013, winning three league matches on their travels for only the fourth time since 2013. Since the 2014-15 season OM had never lost against Strasbourg; remaining unbeaten through 17 encounters before their most recent success at Stade de la Meinau came with a 2-0 triumph on December 20,21.
Team News
Strasbourg have recently suffered several injuries. Yoni Gomis, Moise Sahi, Thomas Delaine and Caleb Wiley have all been ruled out due to knee problems while Milos Lukovic missed their previous game due to illness; furthermore Alaa Bellaarouch has also been sidelined due to groin strain issues.
Contrary to all odds, Strasbourg demonstrated great character last weekend by recovering from two goals down against Lille to draw 3-3 with goals by Andrey Santos, Emanuel Emegha, and Sebastian Nanasi – they will hope that same fighting spirit carries over into Saturday’s match-up against Marseille.
Marseille will be missing Bilal Nadir as he recovers from an ACL injury, along with Ruben Blanco and Faris Moumbagna who both are nursing knee problems. Quentin Merlin may miss due to a thigh problem. At the same time, Captain Leonardo Balerdi will serve a suspension after collecting two yellow cards during their match against Lyon in the opening five minutes.
Adrien Rabiot should be available to make his Marseille debut against Strasbourg this Saturday. Last weekend’s goals scored by Pol Lirola, Ulisses Garcia and Jonathan Rowe helped Marseille beat Lyon, so they will hope for similar successes when traveling northwards.
Predicted Lineups
Strasbourg for Start XI Football Team:
Petrovic
Doue, Sow, Sylla and Moreira
Doukoure
Bakwa Diarra Santos Nanasi
Emegha offers multiple starting locations throughout
Marseille: The starting point is XI.
Rulli Murillo, Cornelius Kondogbia & Garcia
Hojbjerg, Kone Greenwood Harit Henrique
Wahi Prediction of Strasbourg to Win against Marseille in their match today (2-1).
Both teams have adopted aggressive, attacking styles under their respective new managers, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup between Strasbourg and Marseille. Strasbourg have shown they can be dangerous up front while Marseille have proven they possess greater firepower and performance during second halves to give them an advantage in this contest.
Expect Marseille to continue their unbeaten run and come away victorious from this game with a 3-1 scoreline, further solidifying their position atop of Ligue 1.
