Paris Saint-Germain’s lead at the top of Ligue 1 is under threat this Friday, as Olympique de Marseille has the chance to claim first place with a victory at Nice to kick off matchday 13.
Marseille enters the first round of matches after the November international break sitting second in the standings, level on points with third-place Lens and just two points behind PSG. As the first of the top three teams to play this weekend, a win would provisionally send them to the summit.
Mason Greenwood has been the standout player for Roberto De Zerbi’s side this campaign. The forward’s exceptional form earned him the French league’s Player of the Month award for October, a month highlighted by a stunning four-goal performance in a 6-2 victory over Le Havre.
“I hope he becomes a complete player, like the greatest in Europe,” De Zerbi stated at the beginning of the season.
The 24-year-old English forward, who joined Marseille in 2024, has scored seven goals in Ligue 1 so far. He currently trails only Strasbourg’s Joaquín Panichelli (9 goals) and Rennes’ Esteban Lepaul (8 goals) in the race for the golden boot.
However, to secure a result against Nice, Marseille will need to overcome their defensive frailties, which have become a significant weakness. The team is grappling with several injuries at the back, including Facundo Medina, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury since September. More recent concerns include Nayef Aguerd (groin) and Amir Murillo, who picked up a thigh injury and returned early from international duty.
On Saturday, the title race continues as third-place Lens hosts fourth-place Strasbourg. Led by top scorer Panichelli, Strasbourg sits just three points off the top three and will be looking to close the gap.
Later on Saturday, French giants PSG will play what appears to be a manageable fixture at the Parc des Princes against 12th-place Le Havre.
The primary challenge for Luis Enrique’s squad could be the looming Champions League fixture next Wednesday, when they host Tottenham for the fifth matchday of the group stage. The clash against the London side is crucial for the reigning European champions, especially after they stumbled in their last outing with a home defeat to Bayern Munich.
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