Marseille vs Nice Prediction & Betting Tips (14 September)

Olympique Marseille must bounce back this season after a disappointing final campaign in Ligue 1, where the club finished in 8th place, missing out on the European places. If the Phocéens shone by reaching the semi-finals of the Europa League, they will not have this distraction this year, which will allow them to concentrate fully on the championship. Under the leadership of Roberto De Zerbi, OM started strong by crushing Brest 1-5 away. However, there was a slight setback with a draw against Reims 2-2, before quickly bouncing back by beating Toulouse 1-3 on their home field. OGC Nice, after a solid season concluded in 5th place, chose to change direction. Francesco Farioli gave way to Franck Haise, responsible for breathing new offensive impetus into a team which had stood out above all for its defensive solidity.

However, integrating new ideas seems difficult for the Aiglons. They started the season with a frustrating defeat against AJ Auxerre 2-1 on the first day. In their first at home, they were held by Toulouse 1-1. The first victory, expected, finally arrived during the 3rd day with a big success in Angers 1-4. 

Olympique de Marseille has been active on the transfer market by recruiting goalkeeper Rulli (Celta Vigo), defenders Lilian Brassier (Brest) and Cornelius (Molde), as well as Danish international Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (Tottenham, loan) . They also added winger Rowe (Norwich) and strikers Elye Wahi (Lens) and Mason Greenwood (Manchester United, loan), who impressed with 5 goals in 3 games. Neal Maupay (Everton) came to strengthen the attack on loan at the end of the transfer window. At the same time, several departures took place: goalkeeper Pau Lopez (Girona, loan), defender Gigot (Lazio), midfielder Pape Gueye (Villarreal), top scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Saudi Arabia), full-back Jonathan Clauss (Nice) and Ismaïla Sarr (Crystal Palace). For the next match, rookie Koné and goalkeeper Ruben Blanco could be absent, as could Moumbagna and defensive pillar Balerdi. In addition, the undesirables Veretout, Garcia, Ounahi, Mughe and Mbemba do not appear in De Zerbi's plans either. The Gym saw the departure of its internationals Jean-Clair Todibo (loaned to West Ham) and Kephren Thuram (Juventus), as well as full-backs Rosier and Perraud, who returned to their respective clubs after their loan.

Claude Maurice, unconvincing, and Beka-Beka, unused last season, were not extended, while young winger Baldé (7 appearances in L1 last year) was loaned to Bochum. Lotomba left the club to join Feyenoord. In return, Nice recruited Tanguy Ndombélé (Tottenham), full-back Clauss (Marseille), and defender Bombito (Colorado). Brahimi and Bouanani, on loan to Brittany, returned this summer, while defender Abdelmomen (Al Ahly) and striker Moukoko (on loan from Dortmund) also joined the squad. Despite these reinforcements, coach Franck Haise has to deal with numerous injuries, notably that of top scorer Moffi (11 goals), victim of a cruciate ligament rupture, as well as those of Sanson, Louchet, Sofiane Diop, and Laborde. The offensive sector is weakened, even if the return of Boga brings some hope, just like Clauss, who scored the only goal against TFC.