This Sunday, February 8th, Paris Saint-Germain (1st) faces Olympique de Marseille (3rd) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 8:45 PM, CET) for Matchday 21 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season. And as before every match, here’s a look at PSG’s opponent.
OM’s situation –
After some chaotic 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 have been some rather interesting signings to help the team progress.
After a tumultuous start to the season, OM stabilized somewhat before experiencing another disappointing period and has been rather inconsistent lately. This includes a major disappointment: being eliminated in the Champions League group stage. Marseille is currently third in Ligue 1 and DDD in the Coupe de France.
Summer Transfer Window 2025 –
Source: Transfermarkt
Departures:
Arrivals:
Winter Transfer Window 2025/2026 –
Source: Transfermarkt
Departures:
Arrivals:
Key Statistics –
This season, OM boasts the best attack in Ligue 1 with 46 goals scored (second-placed PSG has 43, and last-placed Auxerre has 14), and the fourth-best defense with 22 goals conceded (Lens and PSG have the best defense with 16 goals conceded, and last-placed Metz has 46).
Marseille’s top scorer is Mason Greenwood (24-year-old attacking midfielder), who leads the league with 13 goals (Joaquin Panichelli is second with 11 goals). Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is OM’s top assist provider with 5 assists and is fifth in Ligue 1 (Vitinha 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).
January 21, 2026 (Champions League) – Marseille/Liverpool: 0-3. Playing a 4-4-2 formation. 58% possession. 15 shots, 4 on target, compared to 116 shots (3 on target).
January 24, 2026 (Ligue 1) – Marseille/Lens: 3-1. Playing a 3-4-2-1 formation. 53% possession. 10 shots, 5 on target, compared to 7 shots (2 on target).
January 28, 2026 (Champions League) – Club Brugge/Marseille: 3-0. Playing a 4-2-3-1 formation. 63% possession. 18 shots, 9 on target, vs. 11 shots (5 on target).
31/01/2026 (Ligue 1) – Paris FC/Marseille : 2-2. En 3-4-2-1. 48% de possession. 17 tirs dont 6 cadrés contre 7 tirs (3 cadrés).
03/02/2026 (French Cup) – Marseille/Rennes: 3-0. In a 4-2-3-1 formation. 51% possession. 8 shots, 5 on target, against 3 shots (2 on target).
The Squad :
Unavailable – None.
The probable starting lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Gouiri
Paixão – Nwaneri – Greewood
Timber – Hojbjerg
Emerson – Medina – Balerdi – Weah
De Lange
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, as we saw in the first two matches this season (Ligue 1 and Trophée des Champions). All this with Marseille regularly changing their formations, which leaves room for surprises.
In any case, the Classico can always be a bit “explosive,” especially since it’s so important for the race at the top. It will be necessary to respond with desire, while also knowing how to avoid going overboard.
