Olympique Marseille vs PSG Prediction: Third-placed Olympique Marseille Looks to Test PSG's Dominance in France's "Le Classique”

Olympique Marseille hosts Paris Saint-Germain in the biggest Ligue 1 match of the season on October 27th at the Stade Vélodrome. With the unbeaten run of PSG maintaining them at the top, Marseille, under the leadership of Roberto de Zerbi, made their intentions known with a strong start into the season and managed to secure 3rd place. This is going to be an uncompromising duel of systems, skills, and resolve, as each side brings specific strengths and tactical approaches. Marseille come into this off an explosive 5-0 victory over Montpellier, while PSG will want to consolidate domestic dominance following a 1-1 UEFA Champions League draw with PSV.

This is fair, and Marseille have had an excellent season under Roberto de Zerbi, suffering just one defeat in their opening eight. Attacking players, they have been the ones to break the deadlock in 8 of the last 10 games, continuously. The most recent, that 5-0 demolition against Montpellier, showed that attacking power, as big players seem to create a lot. Marseille attack in a very structured 4-2-3-1 formation, with width and creating chances from the flanks being strong points.

Pressing high, recovering the ball in no time, and most importantly, attacking from wide areas-that is what De Zerbi's 4-2-3-1 promises. This team usually creates its most valuable chances through the attacking midfield, often with a high, overlapping full-back that stretches defenses. Marseille has mixed in aggressive pressing with creativity mostly to control the game's tempo and dictate which half the opponent will be in. On the back of an excellent home record, Marseille will also press PSG high, attempting to enforce mistakes and capitalize on any weakness through constant attacking pressure.

PSG top of the league, unbeaten under Luis Henrique, have become quite mixed lately, drawing two of their last five outings to hint at a slight vulnerability. In the last match, a Champions League draw with PSV, PSG were resolute in defence but could not capitalize on their chances. Known for their strict 4-3-3, tactically, PSG has been so complete that they manage to control midfield and transition up with pace this season. Their defense has also proved to be trustable as they have let go of just six goals in this season's Ligue 1.

In a 4-3-3 system whereby PSG dominates with balanced possession, it all lies in the midfield trio, dictating the pace of the game. Luis Henrique's strategy is based on composure, short passes, and patience in possession and is coupled with a strong defensive unit in depth that sees his team concede very few goals. Most integral to this setup, however, are the wide forwards for PSG, doing an excellent job in stretching out the opponent's defense to allow space for the midfielders to exploit. PSG will most likely try to hold onto possession and dictate the pace of play, use Marseille's attacking-minded lineup against them by capitalizing on some counter-attacks, and exploit whatever space might be given through Marseille's high press.

The edge, of recent history, is quite evident with PSG coming out on top 15 times in the last 20 meetings against Marseille. The last meeting between them finished in a 2-0 PSG victory where Marseille could just not find a breakthrough into the firm PSG defense.

PSG had won the last three games between Marseille and themselves.

Most games between these sides fall under 10.5 corners, suggesting tactical play over chaotic, end-to-end action.

In fact, four of the last five meetings between the sides saw fewer than 4.5 cards, indicating a general nature of controlled intensity.

With that 5-0 victory in their bag, Marseille will be oozing with confidence and look to test PSG's defense, which has shown its grit but also periodic lapses. One of the defining aspects of Marseille's recent form has been their ability to score early in games, and that could help them seize control of this match.

The PSG backline has been solid thus far in the tournament, often succeeding to shut down their opponents totally. If PSG can get past the initial surge from Marseille and control the middle part of the park, it will most likely be a dominance game for them.

Both teams boast strong set-pieces, and in this very intense match, just one goal could come from a dead ball to tip the balance.

PSG will look to dominate the ball, building their game piece by piece with much patience to find the right times through Marseille's lines.

Spurred on by the home crowd, Marseille will try to get at PSG with some intense pressing, particularly in the opening exchanges, in a bid to disrupt their tempo. That could bring early chances, but such pressure also carries a natural risk of leaving themselves open to PSG's counter-attacks.

• Under 3.5 Goals @ 1.705 Odds
• Away Win/Draw & Under 3.5 Goals @ 2.19 Odds
• Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.50 Odds