Marseille can overtake Monaco for second place in Ligue 1 with a win on Sunday at the Stade Vélodrome in Southern France.

Last weekend, Les Phocéens secured a 3-1 victory at Lens, while Monaco remained three points ahead in the standings thanks to a 3-2 triumph over Brest. Marseille will hope a new month brings better home fortunes, as October and November yielded poor results. OM have managed just one point from their last three home league games, with their most recent domestic win at the Vélodrome dating back to September 14, when they beat Nice 2-0. Another loss this weekend would mark their first three-game home losing streak in Ligue 1 since January-February 2021. Against Monaco, their home struggles are historically evident; among teams they’ve hosted more than once this century, Les Monégasques boast the best record, with Marseille winning just 25% (five of 20) of their home league meetings. Roberto De Zerbi’s defense has looked shaky at the Vélodrome, conceding three goals in each of their last two home league matches. However, Marseille have made a stronger start to this Ligue 1 campaign, amassing 23 points after 12 matches—10 more than at the same stage last season.

Monaco had a mixed November, starting with a 1-0 loss to Angers but finishing strongly with back-to-back league wins. Les Monégasques have scored three goals in each of their last two Ligue 1 games but suffered a midweek setback in the Champions League, losing 3-2 to Benfica despite netting twice. Monaco’s away form has been solid, with just one Ligue 1 loss on the road this season (2-1 at Nice) and the second-fewest away goals conceded (four). However, defensive issues have emerged, as they’ve allowed six goals in their last four domestic matches, one more than in their previous 11. Notably, Monaco have not conceded multiple goals in back-to-back league matches since March. With 26 points after 12 matches, Adi Hütter’s side have two more points than they did at this stage last season. Recent history at the Vélodrome favors Monaco, who have avoided defeat in their last three visits and have lost just one of their previous five Ligue 1 meetings with Marseille (a 3-2 defeat at Stade Louis II in 2022).

Marseille will likely be without Ruben Blanco and Faris Moumbagna, both sidelined with knee injuries, and Valentin Carboni, who is recovering from an ACL issue. Derek Cornelius and Pol Lirola could return after missing time with a chest injury and hamstring strain, respectively, while Amine Harit remains weeks away due to a calf problem. Last weekend, Valentin Rongier, Luis Henrique, and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg all scored in the second half to secure Marseille’s third consecutive Ligue 1 away win. Monaco, meanwhile, may see Edan Diop return from a foot injury, though Krepin Diatta is still recovering from a muscle problem. Folarin Balogun, who made a midweek substitute appearance against Benfica, is pushing to start on Sunday. Hütter rotated heavily in Monaco’s last Ligue 1 match, with Christian Mawissa, Mohammed Salisu, Denis Zakaria, and Aleksandr Golovin coming into the lineup in place of Wilfried Singo, Caio Henrique, Lamine Camara, and Takumi Minamino.

Maghnes Akliouche scored his first two Ligue 1 goals last weekend, including a stoppage-time winner, while Golovin added the third in their victory over Brest.

Marseille’s home form has been underwhelming this season, but Monaco’s midweek fatigue and frustration could even the playing field. A draw seems the most likely outcome on Sunday.

Best Tip: Over 1.5

Correct Score: 2-2