Marseille v Lyon Bet Builder Stats & Predictions
Marseille v Lyon
Kick Off: Sunday 2nd February, 19:45
Competition: Ligue 1
Watch Live: Fubo
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Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille side welcome rivals Lyon who are chasing a European placed finish with new coach, Paulo Fonseca. Marseille’s 2-0 loss to Nice last time out brought an end to a run of 9 games unbeaten across all competitions whilst Lyon have failed to find a cutting edge in recent weeks, drawing each of their last 5 games in all competitions.
Match Stats – A tight but entertaining game in prospect
The initial meeting between these sides was packed with incident, Marseille ran out 3-2 winners with a 95th-minute strike, after Lyon had levelled the score just 2 minutes earlier through Rayan Cherki.
Marseille were reduced to 10 men after just 5 minutes with Leonardo Balerdi picking up a second yellow card in quick succession, adding to the spectacle of the derby. Marseille managed to walk away with the 3 points though, despite being a man down and withstanding a Lyon barrage which saw them rack up 22 shots and generate an xG of 3.01.
Marseille’s motivation may just be dwindling domestically, they are 10 points behind expected champions PSG and it’s looking increasingly difficult for them to mount a title challenge against the French giants, especially after Marseille’s 2-0 loss to Nice last time out. This is evidenced further by the fact that Marseille are without a clean sheet in their last 5 games across all competitions, seeing BTTS in 4 of these fixtures.
Lyon may just have that extra bit of desire in this one, Paulo Fonseca has been drafted in to help Lyon push for a European placed finish and progress as far as they can in the Europa League. 5 consecutive draws isn’t ideal but it shows that at the very least, Lyon can be stubborn enough not to lose games – this is currently keeping them within touching distance of Lille and the other sides towards the top of Ligue 1.
With neither side on a clear run of solid form, expect this game to be quite competitive but full of incident, as the earlier meeting between the sides was. There should be goals with the attacking quality on show and neither side being convincing in defending leads or keeping clean sheets in recent weeks.
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Predictions
- BTTS @ 1.53
- Over 2.5 goals @ 1.57
Shot Stats – Lacazette can make the difference
When looking for value in the shots and shots on target markets, Lyon striker Alexander Lacazette stands out as a player that can make the difference for Lyon here. He’s averaging 2.58 shots per 90 and 1.60 shots on target across his 17 Ligue 1 appearances this season resulting in 5 goals for the 33 year old.
He had 4 shots, with 2 finding the target, in the initial meeting between the sides, this record includes Lacazette having a penalty saved. As he is on penalties here, this can offer another route to the target for the veteran forward.
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Lacazette has had at least 2 shots in 4 of his last 5 starts in Ligue 1, he’s also found the target at least once in 4 of these appearances. Lyon are averaging 5.2 shots on target per game in Ligue 1 and had 9 in the initial meeting between these rivals, it’s worth noting that the initial meeting was played out for the majority with Marseille only having 10 men.
Lyon’s average on the whole this season suggests they will get chances in this game, especially when considering Marseille’s inconsistent defensive record of late.
Predictions
- Alexandre Lacazette 1+ shots on target @ 1.44
- Alexandre Lacazette 3+ shots @ 1.40
- Alexandre Lacazette to score anytime @ 2.20
Card Stats – Keep an eye on Duje Caleta-Car
Caleta-Car has collected 7 yellow cards across his 15 Ligue 1 appearances this season – 4 more than any other player in the Lyon squad. He’s an aggressive centre back who can be overexuberant in his challenges, which is a trait that also informs his foul record this season (1.44 fouls committed per 90).
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He committed 1 foul and was shown a yellow card in the initial meeting between the sides back in September and could be in line to post similar numbers here – he’ll be up against Neal Maupay who is averaging 1.60 fouls won per 90 across his 15 Ligue 1 appearances this season and is a player known for his scuffles.
Caleta-Car’s temperament could struggle with this, placing him nicely to pick up another booking in this one, or at least commit a few fouls.
Predictions
- Caleta-Car to be shown a card @ 4.00
- Caleta-Car 1+ fouls committed @ 1.36
- Caleta-Car 2+ fouls committed @ 2.7
By: @AndysBetClubUK
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Quality Sport Images – Getty Images
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