In-depth Analysis
Matchday 26 of Ligue 1 will get underway with a clash at the Velodrome early on Saturday morning, where Marseille will look to strengthen their place in the top three as they host Auxerre, a side still battling to avoid relegation. After a narrow 1-0 win over Toulouse, Marseille climbed to third place in the standings, level on points with Lyon but ahead on goal difference.
Although they have endured several disappointing moments this year, Marseille are beginning to show positive signs in Ligue 1. Back-to-back league victories have lifted the southern club back into the positions that would secure direct qualification for next season’s Champions League group stage, providing a major boost for the remainder of the campaign.
Since their 0-2 defeat to Nantes at the start of January, Marseille have not lost another home match in regular time against domestic opposition. Notably, head coach Habib Beye has remained unbeaten at the Velodrome since taking charge, turning home ground into a crucial advantage for the team.
On the other side, Auxerre have managed to collect points consistently since February, but their ability to turn those performances into wins has been limited. Christophe Pelissier’s side have managed just one victory in that period. Looking at their last 10 league matches, they have recorded 1 win, 4 draws, and 5 defeats, leaving them still five points behind Nice in the battle for survival.
Not only has their overall form been unconvincing, but Auxerre have also shown clear weakness away from home. Since the start of the Ligue 1 season, they have won just once on the road, alongside 4 draws and 7 defeats in 12 away trips. With such numbers, Marseille clearly head into this clash as the more trusted side.