Ligue 1 | Gameweek 24

Mar 2, 2025 at 7.45pm UK

Stade Velodrome

Marseille vs Nantes

Match preview

Roberto De Zerbi's side fell further behind the leaders last weekend, as Marseille's 3-0 defeat at Auxerre was followed by PSG's 3-2 win at Lyon the following day.

The results leave the hosts realistically in contention for next season's automatic Champions League qualification spot, while Nice's 2-0 win over Montpellier reduced the gap between second and third to just three points.

The away defeat to Auxerre was uncharacteristic of De Zerbi's side, who have struggled most of the season in front of their own fans.

Marseille have picked up eight more points on the road this term, having played just one more game away from home, giving them the second-best away record in the league.

However, their home form is one of the main reasons why they are not challenging PSG at the top of the table, and are instead involved in the battle for European football next season.

Their form at the Stade Velodrome has improved in recent weeks and they are currently on a six-match unbeaten run at home in the league, but they have dropped points in six of their 11 home games so far - a stark contrast to PSG, who are unbeaten at home this year.

Nevertheless, their current form is a marked improvement on last season's disappointing eighth-place finish, a campaign that saw them go through four different head coaches.

Under De Zerbi, the Italian's attacking style has been rewarded, with Marseille the second highest scorers in the league with 50 goals in 23 games.

One of the main contributors to the team's goal tally is Mason Greenwood, who has settled in well at the club since arriving from Manchester United last summer.

He is Ligue 1's second highest scorer this term with 14 goals in 23 games, with only PSG's Ousmane Dembele having scored more so far this campaign.

Both Greenwood and Marseille will be looking to bounce back from Sunday's disappointment against Auxerre when they take on a Nantes side who currently sit just five points above the relegation zone.

The visitors have been inconsistent throughout the campaign and although their win over Lens at the weekend was only their fifth in the league, the nine draws they have picked up this season have proved valuable.

Nantes have lost just three of their last 11 league games, but they have also recorded just three wins in that time, highlighting the need for them to convert more of their draws into wins if they are to avoid falling further into the relegation zone.

This weekend they will be looking for just their third away league win of the season - and having suffered a humiliating 7-1 defeat at the hands of Monaco last time out, they will be hoping for a much better performance this time around.

That defeat at Monaco did little to improve the statistics of Ligue 1's fourth-most leaky defence, with Antoine Kombouare's men having conceded 40 times in 23 games this term.

Despite a season of ups and downs and much speculation surrounding his future, Kombouare remains in charge for now and, despite a heavy defeat at Monaco earlier this month, his side have generally improved in recent weeks.

With their only three defeats in their last 11 matches coming against teams that have played in the Champions League this season, this weekend will be a good test of Marseille's credentials as they look to qualify for Europe's top club competition again next season.

The hosts have already beaten their opponents once this season, with goals from Neal Maupay and Greenwood helping De Zerbi's side to a 2-1 away win at Nantes in November.

Recent Performance

Marseille Ligue 1 form:DLWWWL

Nantes Ligue 1 form:DDWLLW

Team News

Marseille have a number of injury concerns for the game, with Amine Harit a doubt with a calf problem, while other potential absentees include Faris Moumbagna and Ruben Blanco, who are both recovering from knee injuries.

The hosts will also be without Derek Cornelius, who was sent off against Auxerre last weekend, but will be boosted by the return of captain Leonardo Balerdi from suspension after the defender missed the game against Christophe Pelissier's side.

Meanwhile, January signing Francis Coquelin could be in contention for the visitors after making his debut for the club last weekend, when the former Arsenal man registered an assist.

Elsewhere, Nathan Zeze is a long-term absentee with an ankle injury, while Tino Kadewere remains a doubt with a muscle problem.

Another blow for Nantes is the absence of Nicolas Cozza through suspension, but Pedro Chirivella is available after serving his own recent ban.

Possible starting lineup

Marseille possible starting lineup:

Rulli; Merlin, Kondogbia, Balerdi, Murillo; Hojbjerg, Bennacer, Henrique, Rabiot; Greenwood, Gouiri

Nantes possible starting lineup:

Lopes; Amian, Sow, Castelletto, Pallois; Lepenant, Chirivella, Coquelin; Abline, Mohamed, Simon