Goal.mu

Ligue 1 Preview: Resurgent Reims Challenge New-Look Marseille at Stade Velodrome

The highly anticipated Ligue 1 curtain-raiser sees Marseille welcome Reims to the Stade Velodrome in a matchup that promises fireworks. The two teams have a storied past, with their recent duels, especially those in the last season, favouring the men from Marseille.

A Tale of Two Forms

Marseille, despite a commendable third-place finish last season, seem to be on shaky ground. The exit from the Champions League after losing to Panathinaikos coupled with Marcelino’s mediocre pre-season – a mix of wins against Nimes and RKC Waalwijk and losses to Eupen and Bayer Leverkusen – casts a shadow over Les Olympiens. Their end to the last campaign was especially disheartening, losing four of their final five games.

Reims, on the other hand, head into the new season brimming with confidence. After an electrifying unbeaten 19-game run in the league last season, although faltering slightly towards the end, they have a pre-season form that teams would envy. Recording five wins from their six warm-up matches, Reims will be keen to transition this form into the league.

Marseille’s Makeover

There’s been a massive reshuffling in the Marseille camp. Out go stalwarts like Dimitri Payet, Alexis Sanchez, Kevin Strootman, and Arkadiusz Milik. In their stead, new faces like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Renan Lodi, Ismaila Sarr, Ruslan Malinovskyi, and Iliman Ndiaye – the latter coming off a sterling 15 goals and 12 assists season with Sheffield United – have been inducted. With no fresh injury woes, Marcelino has a full squad to choose from.

Reims, though losing their star forward Folarin Balogun, have strengthened their ranks with Joseph Okumu, Teddy Teuma, Oumar Diakite, and Reda Khadra. Their depth will be slightly tested with potential absentees like Mitchell van Bergen, Thibault De Smet, and Amine Salama.

Past Meetups Paint A Picture

History favours the home side. In the last 10 meetings at the Stade Velodrome, Marseille have edged out with 2 wins, with 6 matches ending in a draw. Furthermore, they have remained unbeaten against Reims in their last three encounters at home.

However, the stats reveal an Achilles heel for the visitors. With just four wins from their 19 away league outings last season, their road form is a concern. Their goal drought on the road last season (only outdone by relegated Angers and Ajaccio) is a statistic manager Will Still will look to change.

Prediction

While Reims are in better pre-season shape, Marseille’s superior head-to-head record, coupled with their home advantage and a revamped squad, should give them the edge. The game is likely to be tight, but we predict a 2-1 victory for Marseille.

Important Notice for All Readers:

The content provided in this article is intended solely for informational and entertainment purposes. Betting and gambling involve significant risks, including the potential loss of the principal amount wagered. Readers should be aware of their local regulations and laws concerning online betting and gambling. Always gamble responsibly, knowing that the outcomes are unpredictable and can lead to financial losses.

If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, please seek help. Many organizations provide resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction. Remember, the best bet is always a well-informed decision.