The Stade Vélodrome will play host to Le Classique on Wednesday when Marseille welcome their rivals PSG for a round-of-16 tie at 20:10 GMT, with each side looking to progress in the cup.
Christophe Galtier’s men are at the top of the Ligue 1 table and will be looking to keep their hopes for silverware in the French Cup alive when they face Marseille on Wednesday.
Marseille, who placed second in the league, will be looking to set down a marker against their rivals by progressing in the cup at PSG’s expense.
Key Highlights
Marseille’s Home Advantage
Igor Tudor and his men will see Wednesday’s clash with PSG at the Vélodrome as more than just a cup game. They will want to establish a psychological edge over their rivals since they are also engaged in a title race in Ligue 1.
The emotional environment at the Vélodrome will be expected to play an outsize role in shaping this match. Marseille will hope that the electric home support will carry them to victory over the inconsistent PSG side that have not been in their usual ruthless form.
PSG’s Inconsistency
Christophe Galtier will feel that his charges still have some improving to do to get to their ruthless best this season. The focus will be on getting the players to play at their best and confident in their style of football.
In the league, they have won three times, drawn once, and lost once, in their last five Ligue 1 assignments. This inconsistency will be a source of worry for Galtier ahead of the clash with Marseille on Wednesday.
PSG will need to overcome one of its chief competitors for the league this season. Additionally, Galtier will not want the opportunity of silverware to go.
Although the Champions League is about to return, Galtier is likely to pick a strong team when clashing with Marseille.
Injury Report
Marseille
Igor Tudor will be without the services of Amine Harit. The 25-year-old attacking midfielder has been sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury since November 14, 2022. Harit has missed 9 matches for Marseille so far, and no date has been set for his return to fitness.
Marseille will also be missing center-back Eric Bailly. The 28-year-old picked up a red card suspension on January 8th. The former Manchester United defender is expected to be backing action o February 9th.
PSG
Christophe Galtier will be without center-back Presnel Kimpembe. The 27-year-old is sidelined with Achilles tendon problems since November 14th, 2022. The French international has missed 9 matches for PSG and no definitive return date has been set.
Star center-forward Kylian Mbappe is also a doubt for the cup clash with a hamstring injury. The 24-year-old has been sidelined since February 2nd and is expected to be back fit by February 22nd.
Galtier will need to re-jog his team to play without his star forward when they face Marseille on Wednesday.
Possible Lineups
Marseille
P. Lopez; C. Mbemba, S. Gigot, L. Balerdi; J. Clauss, V. Rongier, M. Guendouzi, N. Tavares; C. Under, D. Payet; V. M. Carvalho
PSG
G. Donnarumma; A. Hakimi, Marquinhos, D. Pereira, N. Mendes; R. Sanches; C. Soler, F. Ruiz, Vitinha; L. Messi, H. Ekitike
Prediction
Marseille will look to be proactive and press PSG. Tudor knows that a passive approach will cede control to PSG and put them under pressure. They will use a medium press while remaining compact to eliminate any spaces.
PSG will look to control the ball, boss possession, and shape the tempo of the match. They will look to use pace and speed in their passing to create chances.
PSG will have too much for PSG and they will win this round-of-16 tie.
Make sure to bet on Marseille vs PSG with 22Bet!