Two teams face off in an exciting Ligue 1 match as Olympique Marseille host Olympique Lyon on February 2, 2025, in Round 20 of the competition. This is a match with everything in it: tactical ingenuity, passion, and a drama-filled plot. Both teams come with contrasting recent form and style: Marseille looking to rebuild from a 2-0 defeat at Nice, while Lyon, under their brand-new boss Paulo Fonseca, tries to spark a revival. Brimming with rich history and boasting their own brand of football philosophy, this will be an intriguing sight out on the French Riviera.
Claim Your Welcome BonusOlympique Marseille
Marseille hope to rebound from their surprise defeat to Nice. The hosts have been inconsistent as of late since they are currently lying second in the league with a last-five reading of WWLDL. With Roberto De Zerbi in charge, they have moments of brilliance where they lead in possession as they created 71% in the last outing and impressive 12 corners. However, they are fragile in defense as they let in five goals in the recent matches and concede first consecutively. The ability to create big chances has also been very limited with just one in the last match, so their fans will hope for a turnaround against the revitalized Lyon.
Olympique Lyon
While seventh-placed Lyon enter the tie with fresh optimism and a renewed approach following the appointment of Paulo Fonseca, appointed on January 31, 2025, to a 2.5-year deal, Fonseca comes in with an experience-filled coaching past from top-tier European clubs such as AC Milan, Porto, and AS Roma. Despite four draws out of their last five matches, and a lack of victory in their recent form, visitors are a danger to themselves and others, as they have produced six big chances and eight shots on target in their previous outing. Tuesday night's Europa League clash with Ludogorets, which finished 1-1 with Corentin Toliso scoring, was a further indication that while the goal-fest may not be there, when Fonseca calls, brilliance is never that far away.
Head to Head
Historically, head-to-head fixtures between Marseille and Lyon have blown hot and cold. In recent times, at least, there could be an open contest with over 2.5 goals scored in five out of seven clashes. Under 4.5 cards were recorded in six out of seven games. In eight meetings, the corner counts have generally been modest, coming in under 10.5 corners in six of them. These would probably point towards a game balancing tactical restraint with periodic bursts of flair, which, if anything, is bound to further tantalize the betting markets.
History of Head-to-Heads
Ligue 1 2024/2025
FC Lyon
Ligue 1 2024/2025
Marseille
Ligue 1 2023/2024
Marseille
Ligue 1 2023/2024
FC Lyon
Ligue 1 2022/2023
Marseille
Marseille Latest Games
Marseille
Nantes
Marseille
Saint-Etienne
Marseille
FC Lyon
FC Lyon Latest Games
FC Lyon
Brest
PSG
FC Lyon
Reims
FC Lyon
Expert Betting Tips
Over 8 Corners @ 1.61 Odds on Bet365:
Marseille's last outing produced a massive 12 corners, and although head-to-head stats suggest under 10.5 in some of those meetings, the home team's attacking pressure and their dead-ball scenarios might weigh in balance. Expect Marseille to fashion many corners, most especially in their desperate attempt at forcing their way back into this tie.
Under 1.5 Half Time Goals @1.60 Odds on Betway:
Both managers will adopt a cagey approach to this tie. High possession statistics by Marseille and the recent midfield control by Lyon mean both sides could prefer to build into the second half. The probable tactic in the opening period makes under 1.5 half time goals a sensible pick.
Under 4.5 Cards @ 1.82 Odds on 1xbet:-
Given the recent stats of both teams, Marseille had less than 4.5 cards in 4 out of 5 matches, while Lyon had less than 4.5 cards in 7 out of 8 games, a disciplined game should be expected. The head-to-head history also supports a low card count, making this a smart, low-risk wager.
Other predictions
