Nice vs Marseille
Ligue 1
Saturday
21st October 2023
Allianz Riviera
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Ligue 1 gameweek 9 fixture between Nice and Marseille.
Nice vs Marseille: Preview
Nice form analysis
OGC Nice have shown signs of improvement after a difficult start to the Ligue 1 season. They began this period positively with a determined 2-0 home win over Strasbourg thanks to goals from Atal and new signing Moffi. An impressive 2-3 away victory against champions PSG followed, with Moffi again on target along with Laborde in a major upset. Nice grinded out another win next up, edging Monaco 1-0 away courtesy of Boga’s late strike. They were unable to build momentum though, drawing 0-0 at home against Brest. However, Nice returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 0-1 victory away at Metz thanks to Boudaoui’s goal.
Overall, Nice seem to have added an attacking spark in recent games with new coach Francesco Farioli implementing his ideas. Moffi and Laborde have impressed, adding goals and dynamism. Defensively Nice have been reasonably solid, aside from the loss to free-scoring PSG. If Farioli can sustain this form and find the right balance, Nice could still challenge for European qualification this season after their summer struggles.
Marseille form analysis
Marseille’s recent Ligue 1 form has been inconsistent with signs of promise but also some poor results. They started this period by drawing 1-1 away at Nantes after initially leading through Sarr. A disappointing 0-0 home draw with Toulouse followed. Things got worse as they were soundly beaten 0-4 at home by rivals PSG. However, Marseille did show spirit in their next game despite losing 2-3 away at Monaco, twice taking the lead through Ndiaye and Gigot. Most recently they returned to winning ways with a comfortable 3-0 home victory over Le Havre thanks to goals from Aubameyang and Sarr.
Overall, Marseille have struggled to build momentum under new coach Gennaro Gattuso. There have been encouraging performances like at Monaco but also setbacks, especially the thrashing by PSG. Gattuso seems to have added more attacking threat with new signings like Sanchez, but defensive issues remain. If Gattuso can find the right balance and get Marseille’s talented squad clicking, they have potential to challenge for Champions League qualification again. But greater consistency is needed after the Tudor era.
