Olympique Marseille vs OGC Nice Prediction: Expect both teams to find the net at least once

The Ligue 1 match between Olympique Marseille and OGC Nice on 14th September 2024 is going to be one of the enticing encounters that both teams have been in fine touch early into the season. Marseille, seated second in the table, are going to seek to maintain an unbeaten start to the campaign, while Nice, seated 8th, wants to build from their emphatic recent away win against Angers. This will be an important game for both teams, as Marseille chases first place and Nice fights its way to a European qualification position.

Olympique Marseille has been in outstanding form this season, having not lost any of their last seven matches and sitting comfortably in second place. Their most recent outing saw them gain a 3-1 away win against Toulouse, with goals from Mason Greenwood and an own goal by Charlie Cresswell, further emphasizing their attack. It also means Marseille dominated possession at 76%, proving their capability to control games. Their 4-2-3-1 formation did, however, allow flexibility in attack, with the security of a solid defensive structure.

Great possession play combined with high pressing has been the basis of Marseille's game, as evidenced by the 76% possession against Toulouse. Formation-wise, it has been a 4-2-3-1 that allows balance, where two holding midfielders offer protection behind while the front four press forward. This means the attack has, therefore, been spearheaded by Mason Greenwood, who has been in good form with his goal-scoring ability, netting twice in their last match.

However, defensively, Marseille has been leaking goals of late, failing to keep a clean sheet in the last five games. Despite their overall dominance in matches, they seem susceptible to counter-attacks, something Nice will look to exploit.

Marseille will probably be possession-heavy, dominating the game through central midfielders to control the rhythm of the game. The high-pressing system they use will make Nice stay inside their half as much as possible while giving the attacking trio in behind the striker leeway to take advantage of any unexpected defensive lapses.

Nice, on the other hand, have been more inconsistent but come into this match off the back of a confidence-boosting 4-1 victory over Angers. Evann Guessand's brace and contributions from Youssouf Ndayishimiye and Hicham Boudaoui showed Nice's capability in front of goal, particularly in transition, thanks to their 3-4-3 setup. Still, their frailty at the back - as shown in conceding in 10 straight games - is one they'll need to patch up for a strong Marseille attack.

Nice plays a 3-4-3 formation, relies on width, and quick transitions. They have been poor at the back this season, conceding in their last 10, though going forward they have been more dangerous, scoring 4 against Angers last weekend. Nice does rely heavily on wing play and creating overloads on the wings, which may cause some problems for Marseille's fullbacks.

Nice's strong point is their capability of scoring early, having done that in eight of their last nine matches. They have improved their game when it comes to pressing, but the backline problems-when teams overpower them in central areas-are a massive worry.

Nice, lining up in their 3-4-3, will be looking to pull Marseille's defense this way and that with their wide players before striking with quick counter-attacks to get at Marseille's susceptibility to fast breaks. Set pieces might also prove a weapon given the recent proficiency Nice have shown from dead-ball situations.

Marseille come out on top 10 times, Nice have won 7, while three matches have ended all square in their last 20 meetings. Their last meeting was in April 2024 in Marseille's backyard, with both sides showing offensive strength as they played out a 2-2 draw. Nice are unbeaten in the last three meetings, something that will give them confidence going into this match.

Stronger possession and firepower up front by Marseille could, therefore, override Nice, especially with its loose ends in the back. The ability of Marseille to score early and dominate the first half will be important, and with the porous defense of Nice, this scoreline is definitely possible.

A high-scoring draw might be on the cards if Nice can weather the early storm and make the most of their counter-attacking opportunities. Both teams have been scoring consistently, while Marseille's defense has been pretty shaky; hence, this is a plausible result.

Finally, a more conservative outcome would be that both teams cancel each other out. Nice has shown resilience in previous matches against Marseille; thus, it is also likely to be a low-scoring draw should Marseille struggle to break down Nice's defense with both teams capable of scoring.

• Both Teams to Score @ 1.75 Odds
• Both Teams to Score & Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.04 Odds
• Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.80 Odds