Happy New Year! At the start of 2025, Ligue 1 fans are keeping their eyes peeled for an interesting match when Olympique Marseille meets Le Havre at the famous Stade Velodrome. When Roberto de Gerbe's Marseille caught up to Paris Saint-Germain at the top of the table and Didier's Le Havre. As Degard tries their hardest to avoid relegation, this round of 16 promises to be tense. opposite bets and fascinating football What with Marseille's firepower… Win or beat Le Havre, can you pull it off? Let's look at the details.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Do you think Le Havre has a chance, or will Marseille cruise to victory?
Claim Your Welcome BonusOlympique Marseille
Under the reins of Roberto De Zerbi, Marseille is doing great this season as they are sitting second in Ligue 1 with 9 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses. They are incredible going forward, averaging 2.1 goals scored per match against the 1.2 conceded. With 32 goals scored this campaign, they surely have one of the scariest attacks based on their high-intensity press, brilliant wingers, and clinical finishes.
In form, they're also good: 4 wins and a draw in their last five matches, which included the 4-0 Coupe de France thrashing of St. Étienne. At home, they have been in less convincing form with just a single win in their last five league games at the Vélodrome DLLWD.
Le Havre
This first season back in Ligue 1 has indeed been a steep learning curve for Le Havre, which is positioned 17th with the statistics of 4 wins and 11 losses, struggling to adapt to top-tier demands. The last five matches have really been dispiriting-one win followed by four defeats in a row. In their last game, they were stunned by lower-league side Stade Briochin through a 1-0 defeat in the Coupe de France that exposed fragile morale.
Their away form looks grim: only 1 win and 4 losses in the last five road games, conceding a lot in the process. With only 11 goals scored all season, or 0.7 per game, Le Havre's attack lacks teeth, while their defense concedes 1.9 goals per match.
They have relied on their physicality, counter-attacking football, and disciplined defensive blocks under Didier Digard.
Head to Head
History is strongly on Marseille's side in this fixture. Le Havre have failed to win any of the last 13 meetings, with Marseille coming out on top 9 times and 4 matches ending all square. The Vélodrome has been an impenetrable fortress for Le Havre, who have shipped 8 goals across recent meetings.
Curiously, these meetings have seldom been witness to disciplinary mayhem; 9 of the last 10 games had less than 4.5 cards. Marseille's discipline and Le Havre's inability to force mistakes have been the hallmarks of this history.
Expert Betting Tips
The attacking form of Marseille and the defensive vulnerabilities of Le Havre all point to a one-sided encounter. The side of De Zerbi will dominate possession and attack relentlessly, especially with Havre's fragile full-back positions. Given Le Havre averages 0.7 goals per game, Le Havre will hardly breach Marseille's solid backline.
Matches between these teams have traditionally been low on cards. Both sides average fewer than 2 yellow cards a game.
- Le Havre Under 0.5 Goals: Marseille has kept three clean sheets this season, and Le Havre’s attacking struggles make a fourth likely (1xbet: 1.87 Odds)
- Both Teams to Score (No): Marseille’s defensive setup will be too overwhelming for Le Havre’s poor attack. (Bet365: 1.80 Odds)
- Olympique Marseille Win: Marseille’s superiority, especially at home, makes them clear favorites. Le Havre’s lack of firepower and poor defensive record away from home all but guarantees a win for the hosts (Betway: 1.40 Odds)
Other predictions
