Ligue 1 2020/21: Marseille vs Lille – tactical preview

Marseille host Lille at Stade Vélodrome on Sunday, 20 September. After edging through against Brest with the score of 2-3 and winning 0-1 in the Le Classique derby against Paris Saint-Germain which was decorated with red cards, Marseille were in hot form. However, Dimitri Payet and co. finally fell to their first loss in the 2020/21 Ligue 1 season against Saint-Étienne last Thursday. LOM were the more dominant side in their last match, however, Saint-Étienne were much more clinical in front of goal. André Villas-Boas side managed to create several golden chances themselves but failed to convert any of them into a goal either due to poor finishing or poor luck.

Christophe Galtiers side, meanwhile, are in a strong form. They havent been beaten in any of their first three games in Ligue 1 with one draw in their opening match against Rennes followed by two consecutive wins against Reims and Metz. Galtiers side have been quite solid defensively with Sven Botman  who was signed from Ajax  quickly forming a solid partnership with club captain José Fonte at the back. However, they havent really shown the sharpness in front of goal as they did last season. However, with the season still in its infancy, we might see new signings Burak Yılmaz and Jonathan David develop a stronger and more coordinated partnership.

In this tactical analysis, well break down both teams tactics and give you a preview of what is to be expected tactically and see how the hosts can secure three points at home in their next game.

Predicted lineups

Marseille (4-3-3/4-1-4-1)

Starting XI: Mandanda  Sarr, González, Ćaleta-Car, Nagatomo  Kamara  Rongier, Sanson  Thauvin, Benedetto, Payet

Lille (4-4-2/4-2-3-1)

Starting XI