PSG v Marseille – Spotlight on Marseille: attacking approach | OneFootball

This Thursday, January 8, Paris Saint-Germain faces Olympique de Marseille at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait (kick-off at 7:00 pm French time, broadcast on Ligue1+) in the 2025 Trophée des Champions. And as before every match, here is the presentation of PSG’s opponent.

OM’s Situation –

After a few somewhat chaotic years, Marseille has stabilized a bit since the summer of 2024 with the arrival of coach Roberto De Zerbi. He has an “explosive” temperament, but so far, it’s working out quite well. However, the transfer market remains very active, and the squad changes a lot. During the 2025 transfer window, there have been some rather interesting signings to help the team progress.

After a tumultuous start to the season, OM managed to stabilize before experiencing another disappointing period. Marseille is currently 3rd in Ligue 1 and 16th in the Champions League, with a Coupe de France round of 32 match to play against Bayeux (R1) next Tuesday.

The 2025 Summer Transfer Window –

Source: Transfermarkt.

Departures:

Arrivals:

The 2025/2026 Winter Transfer Window –

Source: Transfermarkt.

Departures:

None.

Arrivals:

None.

Main Statistics –

This season, OM has the 2nd best attack in Ligue 1 with 36 goals scored (the first, PSG, has 37, and the last, Auxerre, has 14), and is among the 3rd best defenses with 17 goals conceded (Lens has the best defense with 13 goals conceded and the last, Metz, has 38).

The top Marseille scorer is Mason Greenwood (25-year-old attacking midfielder), with 11 goals, he is 1st in the league. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is also OM’s top assist provider with 6 assists and is 2nd in Ligue 1 (Adrien Thomasson is first with 5 assists).

OM’s Last 5 Matches –

Only Marseille’s possession is indicated and OM’s shots are listed first (when data is available).

05/15/2025 (Ligue 1) – Lille/Marseille: 1-0. In 3-2-4-1. 62% possession. 4 shots, 2 on target vs. 6 shots (4 on target).

09/12/2025 (Champions League) – Union Saint-Gilloise/Marseille: 2-3. In 4-3-3. 58% possession. 10 shots, 5 on target vs. 7 shots (5 on target).

14/12/2025 (Ligue 1) – Marseille/Monaco: 1-0. In 3-4-2-1. 61% possession. 18 shots, 5 on target vs. 12 shots (8 on target).

21/12/2025 (Coupe de France) – Bourg-Péronnas/Marseille: 0-6. In 4-2-3-1. 72% possession. 16 shots, 9 on target vs. 6 shots (0 on target).

04/01/2026 (Ligue 1) – Marseille (down to 10 men in the 26th minute, 0-0, then 9 men in the 56th, 0-1)/Nantes: 0-2. In 3-4-2-1. 58% possession. 10 shots, 4 on target vs. 12 shots (7 on target).

Probable Line-up in 3-4-2-1.

Paixão – Aubameyang – Greenwood

Emerson – Kondogbia – Höjbjerg – Weah

Medina – Balerdi – Pavard

Rulli

OM’s Playing Style.

De Zerbi quite clearly favors attacking football, with the idea of playing high up the pitch and multiplying passes to create openings. And above all, not to sit back. This promises a very intense match against PSG, who also have very attacking ideas.

Perhaps there will be some adaptation against Paris, with a slightly more defensive approach. But it’s more likely that Marseille will try to put on the pressure, as there was a bit of both during Marseille’s 1-0 Ligue 1 win this week. First an aggressive approach, then a much more defensive one.

In any case, Le Classico can always be a bit “explosive.” The team will have to respond with desire, while knowing how to avoid excess. A few months ago, PSG was a bit overwhelmed in terms of fighting spirit and determination (certainly, also, physical fitness since it was the start of the season).

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.