Paris vs Marseille

The capital city is double-booked this weekend. While the "big" Classique against PSG is still eight days away, Marseille finds themselves in the 16th arrondissement today, Saturday, January 31, 2026, for a high-stakes clash against Paris FC. Kick-off is at 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT).

For Marseille, currently in 3rd place (38 points), this is a "must-win" to stay in the title race with PSG and Lens. For Paris FC, sitting in 14th place (20 points), it’s a chance to play giant-killer at the Stade Jean-Bouin and distance themselves from the relegation scrap.

Match Information

Marseille: Seeking Redemption in the Capital

Roberto De Zerbi’s men arrive in Paris with a "sour taste" after a devastating midweek 3–0 loss to Club Brugge that saw them knocked out of European competition. However, their domestic form remains lethal. They dismantled title-rivals Lens 3–1 last weekend and possess the most potent attack in the league (44 goals in 19 games).

Team News and Selection:

• The New Boy: Ethan Nwaneri has taken Ligue 1 by storm, scoring a world-class goal on his debut against Lens. He is expected to start in the #10 role.

• Midfield Engine: Quinten Timber, fresh from his move from Feyenoord, will anchor the midfield alongside Pierre-Emile Højbjerg.

• Golden Boot Leader: Mason Greenwood leads the league scoring charts with 12 goals and will be the primary threat today.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Rulli; Murillo, Balerdi, Brassier, Palmieri; Højbjerg, Timber; Greenwood, Nwaneri, Luis Henrique; Maupay.

Paris FC: The Underdog Challenge

Under the shadow of their neighbors at the Parc des Princes, Paris FC has struggled for consistency. They haven't won a home league game in their last six attempts, but they are notoriously difficult to break down, recently holding Angers to a 0–0 draw.

Team News and Selection:

• Key Man: Ilan Kebbal remains their creative heartbeat, having already notched 7 goals this season.

• Defensive Strategy: Coach Stéphane Gilli is expected to deploy a compact low block to stifle Marseille’s vertical passing lanes.

• Predicted XI (4-3-3): Nkambadio; Tourraine, Mbow, Kolodziejczak, Ollila; Doucet, Marchetti, Camara; Kebbal, Dicko, Gory.

? Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats

• Historical Dominance: In the reverse fixture back in August 2025, Marseille thrashed Paris FC 5–2 at the Vélodrome.

• Road Warriors: Marseille averages 1.89 goals per game away from home, the second-best record in Ligue 1 this season.

• Clean Sheet Deficit: Despite their high position, Marseille has conceded in 70% of their away matches.

• Parisian Resilience: Paris FC has scored in 4 of their last 5 matches against "Top 5" opposition.

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

This is a game of "The Irresistible Force vs. The Immovable Object." De Zerbi will look to use the width provided by Luis Henrique and the late box entries of Nwaneri to overwhelm the PFC defense. Marseille’s main challenge will be psychological—shaking off the "European hangover" from the Brugge defeat.

Paris FC will likely concede possession (expect Marseille to have 65%+) and wait for counter-attacking opportunities through Kebbal. However, with Marseille’s current attacking depth, it’s hard to see the hosts holding out for 90 minutes.

Final Score Prediction: Paris FC 1–3 Marseille