Marseille vs Reims
Ligue 1
Saturday
12th August 2023
Stade Velodrome
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Game week 1 Ligue 1 fixture between Marseille and Reims.
Marseille vs Reims: Preview
Olympique de Marseille form analysis
Marseille’s form leading into the summer was underwhelming, winning 1, drawing 1 and losing 3 of their final 5 league games.
Their sole win came against mid-table Angers (3-1). However, defeats to title challengers Lille (1-2) and Brest (1-2) highlighted their struggles against motivated opponents.
Marseille’s attack lacked potency, scoring just 5 times in their last 5 matches. Dimitri Payet was their main threat with 2 goals, but the lack of a reliable goalscorer was apparent.
Defensively there were issues as they conceded 7 goals across the 5 games, keeping just 1 clean sheet. Set-piece vulnerability was exposed by Brest in their defeat.
Their home and away form contrasted starkly – Marseille won at home but lost all their away matches without scoring. This over-reliance on their home crowd should be a concern.
Overall, Marseille’s form declined alarmingly going into the summer. Their lack of firepower upfront and defensive fragilities were worrying, especially with their poor away record.
Stade de Reims form analysis
Reims’ end of season form was poor as they lost 4 and drew 1 of their final 5 league matches.
Their sole point came in a 2-2 home draw against Angers. However, heavy defeats away to Lyon (0-3) and at home to Montpellier (1-3) highlighted defensive vulnerabilities.
Reims scored just 3 goals in their last 5 games, with Folarin Balogun directly involved in 2. Their lack of attacking threat was a major concern.
Defensively they were extremely porous, conceding 10 goals across the 5 games while keeping 0 clean sheets. Their defensive lapses cost them points.
The home and away form contrasted as they picked up their only point at home while losing all away matches without scoring. Their travels were utterly disappointing.
Overall, Reims collapsed going into the summer, with their lack of attacking impetus and defensive frailties starkly exposed. Finding a reliable source of goals along with tightening up defensively will be critical if they are to improve this season.
Marseille vs Reims: Predictions
OM finished off last season in a rather questionable manner. However, their home form has been impressive. Expect them to win against a club that has suffered four consecutive league matches heading into this fixture.
Marseille have won three of their last four games from behind. Considering the odds involved it could be a great option.
