Marseille vs Reims Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 French Ligue 1
THE FACTS
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When is Marseille vs Reims on and what time does it start? Marseille vs Reims will take place on Saturday 12th May, 2023 – 16:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Marseille vs Reims? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Marseille vs Reims on in the UK? TNT Sports have the rights to Ligue 1 matches in the UK, so it is worth checking their schedule for Marseille vs Reims
Where can I stream Marseille vs Reims in the UK? If Marseille vs Reims is televised on TNT Sports, then subscribers can stream the match live on discovery+
THE LOWDOWN
MARSEILLE
Whilst Marseille will have been undoubtedly disappointed to have finished so far behind eventual Ligue 1 champions PSG last season, they did at least provisionally secure Champions League football next season with a third-placed finish. They come into a new campaign with a new head coach following the resignation of Igor Tudor in the form of Spaniard Marcelino, who has never previously taken charge of a club outside of his native country.
However, this isn’t the first competitive fixture that Marseille have played so far this season. Marcelino’s reign has gotten off to the worst possible start following a 1-0 defeat in midweek away at Panathinaikos in their Champions League third qualifying round first-leg, a match which saw them reduced to ten men following Geoffrey Kondogbia’s dismissal. Supporters will expect a strong response here ahead of the second-leg.
REIMS
Reims earned plenty of plaudits last season for their performances and results across the season under boss Will Still, who guided the side through a long unbeaten run at one stage, helping them ultimately secure an 11th-placed finish at the end of the campaign. The big question now is whether Still and Reims can kick on here.
This season, Reims will be without Jens Cajuste with the Swedish midfielder having moved to Napoli, whilst striker Hugo Ekitike’s loan move to PSG became permanent following the reported mandatory buy clause trigger put in place last summer. But Reims fans will be happy with their squad and resources, plus with Still remaining at the helm they have plenty of cause for optimism.
THE TEAM NEWS
MARSEILLE
After having fought so hard to sign him in the summer transfer window, Senegalese attacker Iliman Ndiaye is set to make his Ligue 1 debut for Marseille after brilliant 2022-23 campaign at Sheffield Utd, where he played a key part in them being promoted to the Premier League. He is expected to line up in an attacking midfield three which includes another newly signed English Championship player in Ismaila Sarr and should play just behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang up top.
The Marseille backline will also have a new name in the form of vastly experienced defender Renan Lodi. Best known for his years at Spanish giants Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone, Lodi spent last season at Nottingham Forest but is likely to establish himself quickly as a key player for his new club.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Lopez; Clauss, Mbemba, Gigot, Lodi; Veretout, Kondogbia; Sarr, Ndiaye, Harit; Aubameyang
UNAVAILABLE: Balerdi (Suspended)
QUESTIONABLE:
REIMS
Head coach Still has utilised his knowledge of English football to bring in a couple of young players this summer who should make their league debuts here for Reims. One of them being Josh Wilson-Esbrand, the 20-year-old defender who has signed on loan from Premier League Champions Man City and should slot straight into the backline.
The other is a permanent signing, that of 22-year-old attacking midfielder Reda Khadra. The former German U-21 international was on the books at Brighton but has spent the last 18 months playing in the English Championship for Blackburn Rovers, Sheffield Utd and Birmingham City respectively. Reims paid a seven-figure fee to Brighton for his services.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Diouf; Foket, Okumu, Abdelhamid, Wilson-Esbrand; Richardson, Munetsi, Matusiwa; Ito, Diakite, Khadra
UNAVAILABLE: Agbadou (Suspended), De Smet (Injured), Keita (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
The pressure has been piled onto Marseille following that defeat in Greece a few days ago. They have had little time to reflect on that result though, which may prove beneficial as it gives them the chance to bounce back immediately. Reims will prove stiff opposition, well-drilled off the ball and difficult to break down. But this talented Marseille frontline shouldn’t be firing blanks twice in succession and with home advantage in their favour, expect Marcelino’s side to come out on top.
TIP: MARSEILLE TO WIN
