Ligue 1 | Gameweek 30

Apr 19, 2025 at 8.05pm UK

Stade Velodrome

Marseille vs Montpellier

Match preview

The 3-0 defeat had repercussions both on and off the pitch for Marseille last weekend, as it raised further questions about De Zerbi's suitability for the role, while midfielder Adrien Rabiot also criticised his team-mates' attitude throughout the 90 minutes.

It was OM's fifth defeat in seven matches, as many as they had conceded in their opening 22 games of the season, with De Zerbi's men conceding a staggering 11 goals in their last four outings.

Of all the clubs in the top seven chasing Champions League places, none have conceded as many as Marseille (41) and that could prove fatal to their chances if their recent form continues.

However, their form at the Velodrome has been consistent, with Marseille winning five of their seven Ligue 1 games here in 2025, and they need only add a sixth against Montpellier this weekend to potentially pull away from the teams below them.

Marseille have lost just twice in 29 home encounters with Montpellier in the top flight, and are currently unbeaten in 11 games against their next opponents, scoring 26 goals in the process.

There has never been a greater gulf between the two sides during their time in Ligue 1 than now, with Montpellier certain to be relegated in the coming weeks.

Zoumana Camara was appointed coach in recent weeks after the club finally allowed Jean-Louis Gasset to leave after initially refusing his request to resign.

A run of ten consecutive league defeats is the longest currently enjoyed by any club in Europe's top five, and illustrates why the 2012 French champions are languishing at the foot of the table.

The towel seems to have been thrown in by everyone involved in the playing squad as they limped to another defeat away at Angers last weekend, barely putting up a fight in a dismal 2-0 loss.

It comes just weeks after a home game against fellow relegation candidates Saint-Etienne was abandoned due to rioting by Montpellier supporters, who have been voicing their displeasure with the results on the pitch throughout the campaign.

Montpellier are 14 points adrift of safety with just 18 points to play for, and while their relegation may not be confirmed this weekend with Le Havre away to PSG, it is only a matter of time from here.

Recent Performance

Marseille Ligue 1 form:WLLLWL

Montpellier HSC Ligue 1 form:LLLLLL

Team News

Marseille's two injury concerns are at the back, where Luiz Felipe and Leonardo Balerdi are set to miss out again with hamstring and knee problems respectively.

One positive to come out of last week's humiliating defeat is that Amine Gouiri has made a speedy recovery from a recent setback and should start after coming off the bench for the final 30 minutes in the Principality.

Mason Greenwood is one player who has come under fire for his performances of late, and after another poor display last week, De Zerbi could drop the Englishman, as he did against Lens and PSG.

Becir Omeragic returned to the Montpellier defence last week after an injury setback, but was unable to stem the flow of goals at the wrong end.

Andy Delort, Enzo Tchato, Christopher Jullien and Nikola Maksimovic are the most notable absentees for the visitors.

Marseille loanee Bamo Meite will not get the chance to face his parent club as he is serving the second game of a two-match ban following his red card against Le Havre earlier this month.

Possible starting lineup

Marseille possible starting lineup:

Rulli; Murillo, Kondogbia, Garcia; Luis Henrique, Rongier, Bennacer, Dedic; Gouiri, Maupay, Rabiot

Montpellier HSC possible starting lineup:

Lecomte, Ndollo Bille, Kouyate, Omeragic, Sagnan, Sainte-Luce; Pays, Savanier, Ferri, Fayad; Coulibaly