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Marseille will face Strasbourg in a crucial Ligue 1 clash at the Stade Orange Vélodrome on Saturday, 14 February. This match is pivotal for both teams as they seek to solidify their positions in the league standings. Marseille, renowned for their strong home performances, will be aiming to capitalise on their home advantage against Strasbourg.
Strasbourg, meanwhile, will look to upset the hosts and gain valuable points on the road. With both teams eager to improve their league positions, this encounter promises to be a competitive affair. As we delve into the prediction, match preview, and betting tips, it is essential to consider the form and strategies of both sides as they prepare for this important fixture.
| Betting Tip | Odds |
|---|---|
| Marseille to win | 1.67 |
Considering the market odds and team performances, our recommended betting tip is to back Marseille for a straight win (1) at odds of 1.90. Roberto De Zerbi’s aggressive strategy and Marseille’s strong home record make this a solid bet.
Given Marseille’s need to secure a Champions League spot and their formidable home form, they are likely to dominate Strasbourg, who have struggled away from home.
Marseille are stepping onto the pitch as clear favourites with betting odds of 1.67, reflecting their strong home form at the Stade Orange Vélodrome. Strasbourg, on the other hand, are priced at 4.59, suggesting a tough challenge ahead for the visitors.
| Betting Tip | Odds |
|---|---|
| Marseille to win | 1.67 |
| Draw | 4.09 |
| Strasbourg to win | 4.59 |
The draw is also an interesting option at 4.09, especially considering recent tight encounters between these two sides. Punters might find value in exploring the over 2.5 goals market, given both teams’ attacking capabilities.
Marseille’s recent form has been somewhat inconsistent, with two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five matches. Notably, their most recent outing resulted in a heavy 0-5 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, highlighting potential defensive vulnerabilities against high-calibre opponents.
| Home Side | Away Side | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paris Saint-Germain | Marseille | 5 – 0 (Loss) | Ligue 1 | 8 Feb 2026 |
| Marseille | Rennes | 3 – 0 (Win) | French Cup | 3 Feb 2026 |
| Paris FC | Marseille | 2 – 2 (Draw) | Ligue 1 | 31 Jan 2026 |
| Club Brugge | Marseille | 3 – 0 (Loss) | Champions League | 28 Jan 2026 |
| Marseille | Lens | 3 – 1 (Win) | Ligue 1 | 24 Jan 2026 |
Recent Form:
Marseille have averaged 1.60 goals scored per match in their last five fixtures and conceded an average of 2.20 goals per game. The team has managed to keep only one clean sheet during this period, indicating room for improvement in defensive solidity. Despite this, they have shown resilience at home, winning three of their last five matches at the Stade Orange Vélodrome, with a win ratio of 60% on home soil.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Offensively, Marseille rely heavily on Mason Greenwood, who has netted 13 goals this season. However, their defensive frailties have come to light, as they have conceded 11 goals in their last five games. The absence of clean sheets could be a concern for manager Roberto De Zerbi as they prepare to face Strasbourg.
Overall Team Dynamics:
Currently sitting fourth in Ligue 1 with 39 points, Marseille’s performance has been bolstered by their attacking prowess. However, their defensive lapses, particularly evident in away matches, are a critical area that needs addressing to maintain their position in the upper echelons of the league.
The absence of Valentin Rongier due to a muscle injury means that Marseille will need to adjust their midfield dynamics. Rongier’s ability to control the tempo and his defensive contributions will be missed, particularly in a match where ball retention could prove crucial. With Rongier expected to be out for a few weeks, coach Roberto De Zerbi may look to Quinten Timber, who has been performing well, to step up in a more central role.
With no suspensions to contend with, Marseille can field a strong lineup against Strasbourg. This gives them a tactical edge, allowing them to maintain their preferred 3-4-2-1 formation without significant disruptions. The availability of key players such as Pierre-Emile Højbjerg in midfield ensures that the team can still execute their game plan effectively, despite Rongier’s absence.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Valentin Rongier | Muscle strain | A few weeks |
Rongier’s injury might also have implications for Marseille’s defensive solidity. With Emerson and Timothy Weah likely to take on additional defensive responsibilities, the team could adopt a more cautious approach to ensure they are not caught out on the break. Betting markets may see this as a potential weakness, possibly influencing odds in favour of a tighter, more competitive match.
Marseille’s attacking prowess this season has been spearheaded by their top scorer, Mason Greenwood, who has found the back of the net 13 times. Greenwood’s dynamic ability to shift between midfield and forward positions makes him a versatile threat, consistently challenging opposition defences with his pace and clinical finishing. His role as both a scorer and creator makes him indispensable in Marseille’s tactical setup.
In midfield, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg is the linchpin, orchestrating play with his exceptional vision and ball distribution. His partnership with Quinten Timber adds a layer of defensive solidity and creative flair, providing balance to the team’s midfield dynamics. On the defensive front, Benjamin Pavard’s experience and composure are crucial for maintaining a solid backline, especially against teams with potent attacking threats.
Expected lineup for Marseille
Marseille Tactical Breakdown:
Marseille’s 3-4-2-1 formation is designed to exploit the width of the pitch, with Timothy Weah and Emerson operating as wing-backs. This setup allows for significant attacking support from the wings, providing ample opportunities for Amine Gouiri to capitalise on crosses and cutbacks.
In midfield, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Quinten Timber form a robust pivot, offering both defensive coverage and the ability to initiate quick transitions. Their role is crucial in maintaining balance and distributing the ball effectively to the attacking quintet.
Defensively, the back three of Benjamin Pavard, Facundo Medina, and Leonardo Balerdi must remain vigilant, especially given their recent struggle to maintain clean sheets. The lack of defensive solidity has been a concern, as evidenced by their heavy 0-5 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in their last match.
Offensively, Marseille’s strategy revolves around a high-pressing game, aiming to regain possession quickly and launch rapid counterattacks. This approach has been instrumental in securing victories, though it demands high levels of fitness and concentration from the players.
Strasbourg have demonstrated a mixed bag of performances in their recent outings, securing three wins and suffering two losses in their last five matches. Their notable 4-1 away victory against Lille showcased their attacking prowess, while their recent 1-2 defeat to Le Havre highlighted vulnerabilities in defence.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le Havre | Strasbourg | 2 – 1 (Loss) | Ligue 1 | 8 Feb 2026 |
| Strasbourg | Monaco | 3 – 1 (Win) | French Cup | 5 Feb 2026 |
| Strasbourg | Paris Saint-Germain | 1 – 2 (Loss) | Ligue 1 | 1 Feb 2026 |
| Lille | Strasbourg | 1 – 4 (Win) | Ligue 1 | 25 Jan 2026 |
| Strasbourg | Metz | 2 – 1 (Win) | Ligue 1 | 18 Jan 2026 |
Recent Form:
Strasbourg’s attack has been quite effective, averaging 2.20 goals per game over the last five matches. However, defensively, they have conceded an average of 1.40 goals per match, failing to secure any clean sheets. Their away form indicates a win ratio of 60%, with three wins out of five, demonstrating a relatively strong performance on the road despite their inconsistencies at the back.
Strasbourg face a challenging encounter with several key players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions. The absence of Ismaël Doukouré, serving a one-match suspension due to a red card, will necessitate a defensive reshuffle. Andrew Omobamidele is expected to fill in at the back, bringing his own set of skills to the lineup. The defensive structure will need to adapt, possibly affecting their usual formation and defensive solidity.
| Player | Suspension | Matches Remaining | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ismaël Doukouré | Red card | 1 | Unknown |
Injuries to Maxi Oyedele and Emanuel Emegha further deplete Strasbourg’s options. Oyedele, sidelined with an ankle injury, is expected back in mid-February, leaving a gap in midfield. Meanwhile, Emegha’s absence until early April due to a thigh injury limits their attacking depth. Aaron Anselmino and Guéla Doué are also doubts, which could compel tactical adjustments by coach Gary O’Neil, particularly in maintaining balance and creativity in midfield.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Maxi Oyedele | Ankle injury | Mid February 2026 |
| Emanuel Emegha | Thigh injury | Early April 2026 |
| Aaron Anselmino | Thigh injury | About 1-2 weeks |
| Abdoul Ouattara | Unknown | Doubtful |
| Guéla Doué | Ankle injury | Doubtful |
The unavailability of these players could influence Strasbourg’s performance, potentially impacting their ability to maintain possession and control the game’s pace. Bettors might consider the implications of these absences on Strasbourg’s defensive and attacking capabilities, as they face a formidable Marseille side.
Strasbourg’s attacking threat is spearheaded by their top scorer, Joaquín Panichelli, who has netted 11 goals this season. His ability to find the back of the net with precision and his knack for positioning make him a constant threat to opposing defences. Alongside him, Diego Moreira and Julio Enciso in midfield are pivotal in creating scoring opportunities, providing both creativity and pace that can unsettle Marseille’s defence.
Defensively, the presence of Ben Chilwell and Junior Mwanga is vital. Chilwell’s experience and Mwanga’s physicality provide a solid defensive backbone, crucial for handling Marseille’s attacking prowess. In goal, Mike Penders’ shot-stopping abilities will be tested, but his composure could prove instrumental in keeping Strasbourg in the game.
Expected lineup for Strasbourg
Strasbourg Tactical Breakdown:
Strasbourg’s 4-2-3-1 formation is designed to maximise their attacking potential while maintaining defensive stability. Joaquín Panichelli, their top scorer, leads the line, supported by an attacking trio that includes Julio Enciso, who provides creativity and flair. The midfield pivot of Samir El Mourabet and Valentin Barco ensures a balance between offence and defence.
Defensively, the absence of Ismaël Doukouré necessitates a shift, with Andrew Omobamidele stepping into the backline alongside Junior Mwanga and Ben Chilwell. This change might impact their defensive cohesion, as evidenced by their inability to secure clean sheets in recent games.
Offensively, Strasbourg focus on aggressive pressing and exploiting quick transitions, which has been effective given their high goals scored average. However, this approach sometimes leaves them vulnerable at the back, as seen in their 1-2 loss against Le Havre despite creating numerous chances.
Marseille and Strasbourg have faced off 32 times, with Marseille leading the head-to-head record with 14 wins compared to Strasbourg’s 5, and 15 matches ending in a draw. In their most recent encounter, Marseille secured a 2-1 victory away at Strasbourg in Ligue 1, showcasing their ability to perform on the road.
The last time these two met at the Stade Orange Vélodrome, it ended in a 1-1 draw back in January 2025. Marseille have historically held the upper hand at home, but recent draws suggest Strasbourg can be a tough nut to crack.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strasbourg | Marseille | 1 – 2 | Ligue 1 | 2025-09-26 |
| Marseille | Strasbourg | 1 – 1 | Ligue 1 | 2025-01-19 |
| Strasbourg | Marseille | 1 – 0 | Ligue 1 | 2024-09-29 |
| Marseille | Strasbourg | 1 – 1 | Ligue 1 | 2024-01-12 |
| Strasbourg | Marseille | 1 – 1 | Ligue 1 | 2023-11-25 |