Ace Football previews the Trophee des Champions match between PSG and Marseille, and offers the latest betting tips, odds, and team news.
The 99th official ‘Le Classique’ will see old foes Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille lock horns at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis for the Trophee des Champions title.
Both sides have endured mixed starts to their respective campaigns, having occupied the top two spots in Ligue 1 last term. PSG sit second in the current league standings on 39 points from 19 games, while Marseille are seven points behind in a disappointing sixth-place.
The last showdown between these teams ended in a 1-0 victory for Marseille. But the real story was the injury-time brawl in Paris, which saw five players sent off following a fall-out between Neymar and Alvaro Gonzalez.
PSG Form & Stats
Mauricio Pochettino will be rubbing hands together at the moment. In only three games, the new PSG manager can accomplish the one thing he failed to do in five years at Tottenham by winning his first major title.
The Argentine has recorded one win and a draw in his opening two matches since replacing Thomas Tuchel in January. His debut ended in a 1-1 stalemate with Saint-Etienne, but PSG responded by thrashing Brest 3-0 last weekend. Moise Kean, Mauro Icardi, and Pablo Sarabia were all on target at the Parc des Princes.
The Parisians, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last five league games (W3 D2). It’s kept them within a point of Ligue 1 table-toppers Lyon after 19 fixtures, leaving them in a good place to claim a fourth successive title.
Victory in the Trophee des Champions, a title PSG haven’t failed to win since 2012, could be the boost Pochettino needs to kick-start his reign in the French capital. Neymar’s return should give him more cause for optimism.
Key Team Stats
- Won 3 of their last 5 games (D2).
- Unbeaten in their first 2 games under Mauricio Pochettino (W1 D1).
- Mauricio Pochettino has never won a major honor as a manager.
- Last failed to win the Trophee des Champions in 2012.
- Best attacking and defensive records in Ligue 1.
- Kylian Mbappe has scored 6 goals in as many games against Marseille.
Marseille Form & Stats
Andre Villas-Boas’ men have suffered a disappointing dip in form this term, leaving them in sixth place in Ligue 1 and eight points behind pacesetters Lyon. Last season’s runners-up, however, will feature in the Trophee des Champions first time since 2011. And, like PSG, a victory could prove a turning point in their campaign.
The stats don’t make a great read, though. Marseille have won just one of their last five league games (D2 L2) to lose valuable ground in the title race. A lackluster 0-0 draw at Dijon over the weekend didn’t help. Despite dominating possession, along with having the bulk of scoring opportunities, they paid the price for their wastefulness in front of goal.
A lack of attacking threat has been a problem this season. The Olympians only have Ligue 1’s 11th-best goal record this season on 25 goals in 17 games. Compare that to PSG’s league-best 43 goals, it makes a grim reading for Villas-Boas.
The former Chelsea coach may opt for a defensive approach to handle PSG’s attacking prowess. His men may lack the same attacking threat, but they have the French league’s third-best defensive record on 16 conceded goals.
Key Team Stats
- Won just 1 of their last 5 league games (D2 L2).
- Only scored 25 goals in 17 league games for the 11th-best record.
- Won only 12 of their 51 games against Paris Saint-Germain (D10 L29).
- BTTS in 5 of their last 6 league games.
Team News
PSG
Out: Juan Bernat, Rafinha, Colin Dagba.
Doubts: Danilo Pereira .
Marseille
Out: Jordan Amavi, Luis Henrique.
Doubts: Boubacar Kamara.
Predicted Line-up
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)
Top Goalscorers in Ligue 1
Head-To-Head Record (Ligue 1)
Below are some head-to-head stats on each team’s recent form in Ligue 1.
Match Facts
Betting Tips
More Odds
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