This Thursday, January 8th, Paris Saint-Germain faces Olympique de Marseille at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait (kick-off at 7 pm CET) in the 2025 Trophée des Champions. And as before every match, here’s a look at the Parisians’ opponent.
OM’s situation – Update
After a somewhat chaotic few years, Marseille has stabilized somewhat since the summer of 2024 with the arrival of coach Roberto De Zerbi. He has an “explosive” temperament, but it’s working out rather well for the moment. However, the transfer market remains very active, with the squad undergoing significant changes. During the 2025 transfer window, there are some interesting signings expected to bolster the team’s performance.
After a tumultuous start to the season, OM found some stability before experiencing another disappointing period. Marseille is currently 3rd in Ligue 1 and 16th in the Champions League, with a Round of 32 Coupe de France match against Bayeux (R1) next Tuesday.
Summer Transfer Window 2025 –
Source: Transfermarkt
Departures:
Arrivals:
Winter Transfer Window 2025/2026 –
Source: Transfermarkt
Departures:
None.
Arrivals:
None.
Key Statistics –
This season, OM boasts the second-best attack in Ligue 1 with 36 goals scored (PSG leads with 37, and Auxerre trails with 14), and is among the third-best defenses with 17 goals conceded (Lens has the best defense with 13 goals conceded, and Metz trails with 38).
Marseille’s top scorer is Mason Greenwood (25-year-old attacking midfielder), who leads the league with 11 goals. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is also OM’s top assist provider with 6 assists, placing him second in Ligue 1 (Adrien Thomasson leads with 6 assists).
OM’s Last 5 Matches –
Only Marseille’s possession is shown, and OM’s shots are listed first (when data is available).
05/15/2025 (Ligue 1) – Lille/Marseille: 1-0. 3-2-4-1 formation. 62% possession. 4 shots, 2 on target, vs. 6 shots (4 on target).
09/12/2025 (Champions League) – Union Saint-Gilloise/Marseille: 2-3. 4-3-3 formation. 58% possession. 10 shots, 5 on target, vs. 7 shots (5 on target).
14/12/2025 (Ligue 1) – Marseille/Monaco: 1-0. 3-4-2-1 formation. 61% possession. 18 shots, 5 on target, compared to 12 shots (8 on target).
December 21, 2025 (French Cup) – Bourg-Péronnas/Marseille: 0-6. Playing a 4-2-3-1 formation. 72% possession. 16 shots, 9 on target, compared to 6 shots (0 on target).
04/01/2026 (Ligue 1) – Marseille (down to 10 men in the 26th minute, 0-0, then down to 9 men in the 56th minute, 0-1)/Nantes: 0-2. Playing a 3-4-2-1 formation. 58% possession. 10 shots, 4 on target, compared to 12 shots (7 on target).
The probable lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Paixão – Aubameyang – Greenwood
Emerson – Kondogbia – Höjbjerg – Weah
Medina – Balerdi – Pavard
Rulli
OM’s playing style.
De Zerbi clearly favors attacking football, with the idea of playing high up the pitch and stringing together passes to create space. And above all, not being on the back foot. This promises a very intense match against PSG, who also have very attacking ideas.
Perhaps there will be a bit of an adjustment against Paris, with a slightly more defensive approach. But we expect Marseille to come with a desire to apply pressure; there was a bit of both in Marseille’s 1-0 victory in Ligue 1 this week. First an aggressive approach, then a much more defensive one.
In any case, the Classico can always be a bit “explosive.” They will need to respond with enthusiasm, while avoiding excess. A few months ago, the Parisians were somewhat outmatched in terms of fighting spirit and tenacity (and certainly also in terms of physical fitness, since it was at the beginning of the season).
