Sabasports Match Preview
Ligue 1: Strasbourg vs Marseille
Kickoff Time: 2025-09-27 02:45 (HKT)
Source: REUTERS/Manon Cruz
Backed by Chelsea owner Todd Boehly, Strasbourg has significantly increased their investment in new signings. Their first-team squad’s total market value has now reached €266 million, ranking fourth in Ligue 1, positioning them as potential challengers to Paris Saint-Germain’s dominance. The team started the new season impressively with four wins and one loss. However, a closer look at the scores reveals a lack of convincing performances. Their wins against teams with relegation-caliber strength like Paris FC, Le Havre, Nantes, and Metz were all narrow one-goal victories, and they lost to Monaco, a side with slightly stronger attacking power. Statistically, Strasbourg averages 10 successful dribbles per game, the highest in the league, indicating their reliance on wing play, utilizing the speed and dribbling of their wide players to create chances. However, the team is prone to mistakes, averaging a high of 11.8 turnovers per game. For instance, in the last league match, only three out of the starting eleven did not commit a turnover, one of whom was the goalkeeper.
After internal conflicts at the start of the season, Marseille has finally gotten back on track. Last week, they beat last season’s champions, Paris Saint-Germain, 1-0 at home in the French Classique, significantly boosting team morale. Summer signings have now integrated into the team’s tactical system. Key arrivals like center-back Benjamin Pavard, midfielder Angel Gomes, center-back Nayef Aguerd, and striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have all scored league goals, while defensive midfielder Arthur Vermeeren has registered an assist, marking a very successful transfer window for Marseille. Statistically, Marseille averages 56% possession per game, ranking fourth in the league, with a pass success rate of 89%, the second highest. However, their average of 4.2 successful dribbles per game is the second lowest, showing their commitment to a possession-based game with strong emphasis on teamwork. Most notably, and perhaps most impressively, Marseille’s forwards are highly clinical in front of goal. In the last two league matches, for example, they converted five goals from just 10 shots on target, a conversion rate of 50%.
In midweek next week, Strasbourg will play their first UEFA Europa Conference League group stage match, traveling to Slovakia. As the club’s first European campaign under the new ownership, the board places great importance on it, which could distract the players. For this upcoming match, individual errors from Strasbourg are likely to increase, and Marseille’s opportunistic forwards will surely not miss such chances. Therefore, Marseille is expected to secure a comfortable victory in this encounter.
Strasbourg‘s Last 5 Games: WWLWW
25-09-21 Paris FC 2-3 Strasbourg
25-09-14 Strasbourg 1-0 Le Harve
25-08-31 AS Monaco 3-2 Strasbourg
25-08-29 Broendby IF 2-3 Strasbourg
25-08-24 Strasbourg 1-0 Nantes
Marseille’s Last 5 Games: WLWLW
25-09-23 Marseille 1-0 Paris Saint-Germain
25-09-17 Real Madrid 2-1 Marseille
25-09-13 Marseille 4-0 Lorient
25-09-01 Lyon 1-0 Marseille
25-08-23 Marseille 5-2 Paris FC
Head-To-Head Record
25-01-20 Marseille 1-1 Strasbourg
24-09-30 Strasbourg 1-0 Marseille
24-01-13 Marseille 1-1 Strasbourg
23-11-26 Strasbourg 1-1 Marseille
23-03-13 Marseille 2-2 Strasbourg
Prediction: Marseille to win