Marseille vs Saint-Etienne
French Ligue 1
Date: Thursday 17th September 2020
Kick off at 20:00 UK/ 21:00 CET
Venue: Stade Velodrome.
Match preview Marseille vs Saint-Etienne
Marseille Classique first victory over PSG since 2011 was marred by ugly scenes at the end of the game, with five players saw red following a mass brawl.
First-half goals Florian Thauvin, paving the way for the victory of Marseille, but Andre Villas-Boas immediately saw two players in Jordan Amavi and Dario Benedetto receive their orders, while PSG trio of Neymar, Layvin Kurzawa and Leandro Paredes is also made to take the path of shame.
Neymar since accused Marseille defender Alvaro Gonzalez made racist comments against him, and 30 years could face a lengthy ban if found guilty, but Marseille eventually survive to win at the Parc des Princes.
Les Olympiens overcome Brest in the opening weekend and now occupies fifth place - just one point behind Lille, Monaco and Rennes - all of whom have played a game more.
PSG are sure to bounce back from their dismal beginning to the campaign as more than the stars they recovered from coronavirus, Villas-Boas knows that his team can not afford any slip-ups early contender if PSG end the domination of the French football scene.
Marseille are now preparing for their return to Orange Velodrome - the land where their only defeat of the season twice - but Villas-Boas side only won one of their last four on familiar territory during the 2019-20 Ligue 1 campaign.
Meanwhile, Saint-Etienne followed their comfortable 2-0 victory over Lorient with another victory by the same scoreline against Strasbourg last time.
Denis Bouanga and Mahdi Camara both found the back of the net for Claude Puel's side, who now will look to end a seven-game losing streak away from home in the French top flight.
Saint-Etienne has not picked up a point on their travels since November and only won four away matches throughout the 2019-20 campaign is limited, but the early signs are promising for Puel's men as they prepare for the midweek game testing.
However, Marseille have taken the spoils without delivery goals in the last three meetings between the two clubs, and Saint-Etienne have only won twice in their last 26 games with Les Olympiens in all competitions.
With Rennes, Monaco and Lille are not in action until the weekend, Saint-Etienne only need a point on Thursday to go top of the table due to their superior goal difference.
Marseille vs Saint-Etienne Head-to-Head
Marseille have had an edge in this fixture traditionally, with l'OM won six of the last 10 games between the two, including an impressive 2-0 win away from home the last time the pair met in February. St-Etienne have earned just two wins against Marseille in the round of 10, with two draws as well.
Marseille book form: L-L-W-W-W
Saint-Etienne book form: W-L-L-W-W
News Team
Darío Benedetto and Jordan here Amavi suspended after being sent off at the end of a Sunday Classique.
Álvaro González is expected to play, although it has been accused of racially abusing Neymar.
Bouna Sarr and Yuto Nagatomo are two options to come into the side to Amavi, while Florian Thauvin should play a central role in Argentina's absence.
Want-away Wesley Fofana is next to Sainte win at the weekend and looks likely to feature here as well.
Harold Moukoudi fit enough for the bench on Saturday after suffering a broken rib and could also be an option in the visitors' defense.
Nordin and Yvan Arnaud Neyou suffered a blow against Strasbourg and doubt - looking fit-again Zaydou Youssouf came to the second with Romain Hamouma play a broad role in the Nordin.
Marseille vs Saint-Etienne Predictions
There are three things that must be considered: The first is that Marseille has the better players, they are the better team. The second is that Saint-Etienne has two wins so far but did not play much, that is where the consistency will start counting. The third is that Saint Etienne has a terrible record coming to this land.
Everything points to a home win, and Marseille will be very confident coming into this game. their fans might be skeptical. For example, one week later beat PSG lose your next game, which has been the story of this Marseille last decade, but we think they can maintain their good run and get a win in this game.
Marseille vs Saint-Etienne Bet Tips:
Marseille beat Saint-Etienne at 2.00 (1/1)
Anytime goalscorer: Valere Germain from Marseille at 2.75 (7/4)
Scores are true: Marseille win 2-0 or 2-1 at 9:00 and 8:00 respectively opportunities.
