On Sunday, September 21, Paris Saint-Germain will face Olympique de Marseille at the Stade Vélodrome (kick-off at 8:45 PM, CET), in the 5th matchday of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season. And as before every match, here is a preview of the Parisians’ opponent.
Marseille’s situation –
After a few turbulent years, Marseille has stabilized somewhat since the summer of 2024 with the arrival of coach Roberto De Zerbi. He has an “explosive” personality, but it seems to be working well so far. However, the transfer market remains very active, and the squad is changing considerably. At least, there have been some interesting signings to help improve the team. After a somewhat turbulent start to the season, Marseille currently sits in 7th place.
The 2025 summer transfer window –
Source: Transfermarkt.
Departures:
Arrivals:
Key statistics –
This season, Marseille has the 3rd best attack in Ligue 1 with 9 goals scored (Lille leads with 13, and Nantes is last with 1), and their defense is among the 4th best with 4 goals conceded (Lyon, Strasbourg, Angers, and Nantes have the best defenses with 3 goals conceded, while Lorient is last with 12).
Marseille’s top scorers are Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (34-year-old striker) and Mason Greenwood (25-year-old forward), both with 2 goals, ranking 21st and 22nd in the league (Bradley Barcola leads Ligue 1 with 3 goals). Greenwood is the club’s top assist provider with 3 assists, ranking 2nd in Ligue 1 (Felix Correia leads with 3 assists).
OM’s last 5 matches –
Only Marseille’s possession statistics are shown, and Marseille’s shots are listed first (when data is available).
08/15/2025 (Ligue 1) – Rennes (10 men after 31st minute, 0-0)/Marseille: 1-0. 3-2-4-1 formation. 73% possession. 24 shots (2 on target) vs. 12 shots (5 on target).
08/23/2025 (Ligue 1) – Marseille/Paris FC: 5-2. 4-2-3-1 formation. 61% possession. 11 shots (7 on target) vs. 8 shots (4 on target).
08/31/2025 (Ligue 1) – Lyon/Marseille (10 men after 63rd minute, 1-0): 1-0. 4-2-3-1 formation. 42% possession. 5 shots (2 on target) vs. 18 shots (6 on target).
09/12/2025 (Ligue 1) – Marseille/Lorient (10 men): 4-0. 4-2-3-1 formation. 73% possession. 15 shots (8 on target) vs. 4 shots (1 on target).
09/16/2025 (Champions League) – Real Madrid (10 men after 72nd minute, 1-1)/Marseille: 2-1. 3-4-2-1 formation. 76% possession. 15 shots (6 on target) vs. 3 shots (2 on target).
Probable starting lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation:
Gouiri
Weah – Nadir – Greenwood
Kondgobia – Gomes
Medina – Aguerd – Pavard – Murillo
Rulli
De Zerbi clearly favors an attacking style of play, with the idea of playing high up the pitch and using a high number of passes to create openings. And above all, not allowing the opposition to dictate the game. This promises to be a very intense match against PSG, who also have a very attacking philosophy.
Perhaps there will be some tactical adjustments against Paris, with a slightly more defensive approach. But we expect Marseille to come out with the intention of applying pressure.
It’s also worth noting that Marseille’s matches are often marked by a red card. This “Classico” could be quite explosive. They will need to show determination and intensity, while avoiding any excesses.
