Ligue 1 Preview: Greenwood Leads Marseille to Defend Top Three at Home, Can Angers Escape Bottom Spot as Visitors?

At 2:45 AM on October 5th, in the 7th round of Ligue 1, Marseille will host Angers. After suffering their first loss of the season last round, Marseille aims to defend their top three position this round at home; newly promoted Angers, not only at the bottom but also with a weak attack, will find it difficult to pull off an upset.

After six rounds, Marseille has achieved four wins, one draw, and one loss, ranking third in the league table, with an attack that has scored 15 goals, second only to leaders Paris, and a defense that has conceded seven goals, also ranking among the best in Ligue 1. Marseille has played only two home games so far, achieving one win and one draw without defeat.

Angers, after six rounds, have two draws and four losses, sitting at the bottom of the table, with an attack that has scored four goals, ranking second-to-last in Ligue 1, and a defense that has conceded twelve goals. In their two away games, Angers have one draw and one loss without a win, scoring one goal and conceding three.

Although Aubameyang has left, Marseille has welcomed Greenwood, who has already scored five goals this season. However, several players are absent for Marseille this game, with Mumbana, Nadir, and Melan all out due to injury, Cornelius suspended, and Ruben Blanco doubtful. Angers also face an incomplete squad, with Kalamba and Ekomi injured, and Joseph Lopy and Bamba Dieng doubtful.

Marseille lost 0-1 away to Strasbourg last round, their first loss of the season and also their first game without a goal. Including the end of last season, Marseille has been unbeaten in seven consecutive home games, with four wins and three draws, keeping a clean sheet against Nice in their last home game with a 2-0 victory.

As newly promoted, Angers not only failed to win any game this season but also conceded in every match. After two consecutive draws, they lost 1-3 to Reims in their last game, remaining at the bottom of the table. Although Angers had a decent away record in Ligue 2 last season, they need to improve their away form to avoid relegation in Ligue 1.

In the last ten meetings between Marseille and Angers, Marseille has won five, drawn four, and lost only one. In their last five encounters, Marseille has maintained an undefeated record with four wins and one draw, winning all three recent matches. Angers’ last victory over Marseille dates back to the 2020-21 season, while their last away win in Ligue 1 against Marseille was in the 2015-16 season.

Marseille, with superior strength and home advantage, aims for all three points this round. Angers’ current situation is worrying, and with a lack of attacking options, defeating Marseille seems unlikely, making a point their most realistic goal.

>>”>For more predictions and analysis on this game, click >>>