PSG v Marseille Bet Builder Stats & Predictions
PSG v Marseille
Kick Off: Sunday 16th March
Competition: Ligue 1
Watch Live: Amazon Prime
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PSG currently have a 16 point lead at the top of Ligue 1 over their opponents and rivals here in Marseille. Le Classique is always a hotly contested derby regardless of the league situation of these sides and whilst it may not have a lot riding on it in terms of deciding the outcome of the Ligue 1 title, it will still be played in competitive fashion with Roberto De Zerbi wanting to get one over on the Parisians who have led the way in France all season. PSG ran out 3-0 winners in the initial meeting between these sides which saw an early red card for Marseille, one of six they’ve collected this season.
Match Stats: PSG can be dominant
PSG have been on a different level this year, Luis Enrique has implemented his ideas gradually but now seems to have a side that is devastating going forward and more importantly, willing to work hard without it. PSG have always had the talent to go toe to toe with the other elite sides in Europe but they have been missing that crucial work off the ball which is now instilled into the side as shown in their brilliant performances against Liverpool in the Champions League recently.
Marseille haven’t had a bad season by any stretch, Roberto De Zerbi’s side have just found themselves falling short of the efficiency of PSG. They’ve won three of their last five games, losing the other two but those types of losses are where PSG have been able to run away with the league title with Luis Enrique’s side yet to lose a game in Ligue 1 this season.
Unsurprisingly PSG have the best home record in Ligue 1 this season, winning 10 of their 12 games at the Parc Des Princes and scoring 35 goals in the process (2.91 per game). They should have too much here for a Marseille side that is also struggling with injuries, they’ve been trying to adapt to these absences with a wide array of tactical systems but there aren’t many that can stop this PSG side at the moment.
Predictions –
- PSG to win @ 1.36
- PSG -1 handicap @ 2.0
Shot Stats: Dembele, Barcola and Kvaratskhelia look dangerous
PSG’s front three is one of the most well rounded in Europe. The addition of Khvica Kvaratskhelia in January has just added that extra layer of quality to PSG to complement the flair of Bradley Barcola and the efficiency of Ousmane Dembele.
The trio complement each other really well, Dembele usually plays through the middle but there is plenty of rotation between the three during the game. They are platformed by an excellent midfield trio which work really hard both in and out of possession to allow PSG to control games and release their dangerous attacking trio.
Dembele is the main one to watch for goals here, he’s scored 29 goals across his 36 appearances in all competitions for PSG this season with the majority of these coming since the turn of the year. Barcola and Kvaratskhelia can be dangerous as well, Barcola has registered 20 goal contributions in Ligue 1 this season (13 goals, 7 assists) and scored in the initial meeting between the sides whilst Kvaratskhelia has already provided three goal contributions in just five league starts for the Parisians.
Predictions –
- Dembele to score anytime @ 1.91
- Barcola 1+ shots on target @ 1.25
- Kvaratskhelia 3+ shots @ 1.30
Card Stats: Marseille more likely to catch the eye of the referee
Neither of these sides regularly pick up high numbers of cautions with each side averaging under 2.0 cards per game in Ligue 1 this season. However, it’s important to take the derby element into account here with Marseille better placed to pick up cautions at the Parc Des Princes.
Marseille have collected 10 more yellow cards than their opponents in Ligue 1 this season and have also been shown six red cards, only Lens have been shown more (7). One of these red cards came in the initial meeting between the sides earlier in the campaign where Amine Harit was sent off after just 20 minutes. This suggests that Marseille can be quick to frustration and are more aggressive than their rivals who are yet to be shown a red card in Ligue 1 this season.
Leonardo Balerdi: The Argentine Defender Emerging as Marseille’s Man Mountain
Members of Marseille’s back line in particular stand out to receive a caution here, the front three of PSG should stretch them and cause all sorts of problems for a side that is struggling with quite a few key absences at the moment. PSG are expected to dominate the majority of proceedings which should see Marseille have to do the majority of the work off the ball.
Predictions –
- Marseille to be shown the most cards @ 1.50
- Leonardo Balerdi to be shown a card @ 3.40
By: @AndysBetClubUK
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Pressinphoto / Icon Sport
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