Olympique de Marseille will be sitting at home to welcome their Ligue 1 counterparts Toulouse on Sunday.
Marseille had a difficult 2015/16 season and at one point they were battling the relegation threat. Somehow they managed to string a couple of good results at the tail end of the season and thereby finished 13th in the standings. They were just 9 points clear-off the danger zone.
Things have gone from bad to worse for the French giants with an array of players departing Stade Velodrome in this summer. Michy Batshuayi, who scored 17 goals last season have moved to Chelsea for a £30 million transfer fee. While the experienced goal-keeper Steve Mandanda, defenders Benjamin Mendy, Brice Djedje, Nicolas N’Koulou and midfielder Mario Lemin have all find new homes. And the reinforcements they bought are nowhere near the standards of the ones who left.
At the same time, Toulouse were deep into the relegation battle until the final weeks of the last season. They managed to survive after finishing 17th in the table, just a point above Reims.
For Toulouse, the departure of the prolific goal scorer Wissam Ben Yedder to Sevilla is a bitter blow. But the new arrivals of Ola Toivonen and Ola John could definitely improve the overall squad. But just as in the case of Marseille, the new signings are way behind the quality of the ones who left.
Marseille vs Toulouse: Head-to-Head Stats
Olympique Marseille lead the overall head-to-head stats with 14 wins from 36 matches against 8 wins for Toulouse, while 14 meetings saw the spoils shared.
Marseille’s home form is even better as they had lost just twice in 17 meetings against Toulouse, winning 8 and drawing 7.
Each of the two League 1 meetings of the 2015/16 between these two sides end in 1-1 draws.
Marseille will go in to this match on a 9 match unbeaten run over Toulouse, with 5 wins and 4 draws.
Marseille vs Toulouse: Prediction
Marseille was one a prominent name in French football, but this has now changed after losing most of their key players over the past two seasons. They are destined to struggle once again and we could see them settle for a mid-table finish at the end of the season.
While nothing better is expected of Toulouse as well. The team that saved relegation by virtue of one point have fared well in the pre-season friendlies. But it will be a very different battle in the competitive games.
This is a clash between two struggling sides and the final result could go either way. On the basis of a strong home record and overall head-to-head stats, a double chance for Marseille is the safe option. I also believe that there will be a flurry of goals, so backing over 2.5 is a better option.
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Football France Ligue 1 2016
Marseille vs Toulouse
Marseille vs Toulouse Live Stream, Preview and Prediction Football France Ligue 1 2016
