- Marseille have failed to win their last 3 home games against Strasbourg.
- Marseille are averaging 1.86 goals per game in all competitions at home this season (W4, D1, L2) and are conceding an average of 1.29 per game.
- Strasbourg have scored 6 goals in their last 5 away games (all competitions), which doesn't sound like a lot, but this could be a good omen against a side that likes to play on the front foot.
Marseille still licking their wounds after Champions League mauling
Olympique Marseille, odds-on favourites at 1.71, are a classier outfit than Racing Club Strasbourg (4.1) in all areas, but les Racingmen have a chance to make this an interesting game if they can stay solid for the first 60 minutes. Both teams to score is my first selection at 1.55, while Over 2.5 goals is taken at the same price because this game could be a lot more open than the odds makers are giving credit for.
Marseille have been very potent at home in all competitions this season (W4, D1, L2) and they have scored an average of 1.86 goals per 90 minutes, so they should be a few goals up before the game wears down. les Phocéens are also conceding an average of 1.29 on their own turf, which is why the draw also comes in at 4.1.
The hosts are in mixed form, but have impressed in some of their best performances over the last few weeks. Bruno Genesio's men had bounced back nicely from their 2-5 home reverse to SV Elversberg with a 3-0 win over Al Shahaniya and 3-1 success over Athletic Bilbao at the Orange Velodrome. However, yesterday's 1-2 home defeat to Atletico Madrid was a reality check for the French side, who still have some work to do in Europe.
Strasbourg will be desperate to avoid another hammering
Hugo Oliveira's Strasbourg have lost their last five on the spin and their overall form across all competitions reads 2 wins, 1 draw and seven defeats. However, their away form is not too bad in terms of goals scored, so they can at least give Marseille something to think about if they are in the mood for the contest.
Martial Godo has been Strasbourg's bright spark of late, netting two of their two goals in the last five matches, which is good news for Oliveira. But it's bad news for Strasbourg that they have been short of firepower in general, so every chance the youngster gets is almost gold dust.
The visitors have a possession-based game and structure, while Marseille like to press and get in behind in transition. So the winner of this match could be decided by whoever controls the middle of the park best and can handle the press. Marseille still look the more likely winners, but Strasbourg can stay in this one if they can weather the early storm.
