The first edition of Le Classique for 2023-24 will take place on Sunday at the Parc des Princes in Paris. Paris Saint-Germain will host Marseille, as the two hated rivals renew their bad blood.
Paris Saint-Germain did not start the season well and are trying to make up the gap between themselves and first-place Monaco.
A perfect start in the @ChampionsLeague! ✔️🔴🔵#UCL | #PSGBVB pic.twitter.com/NUKnmPHJQ8— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) September 19, 2023
A perfect start in the @ChampionsLeague! ✔️🔴🔵#UCL | #PSGBVB pic.twitter.com/NUKnmPHJQ8
The Parisians took just eight points from the opening five games. They started the campaign with back-to-back draws before finally picking up a win.
In round No. 5, Paris lost to Nice 3-2 at home in a shocking result. Manager Luis Enrique is aiming to get the Parisians back on track.
A midweek Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund, 2-0, should help them prepare for Marseille.
OM are fourth in the table after five games, with nine points. Marseille are unbeaten this season in Ligue 1, but their three draws have them chasing Monaco as well.
Marseille are coming off back-to-back draws in Ligue 1. They drew nil-nil with Toulouse in round No. 5.
These teams met three times last season, with Paris Saint-Germain winning twice in the league and Marseille snatching a Coupe de France victory. Paris posted a record of 4W-1D-1L against Marseille in their last six games.
Sunday’s match will be Paris Saint-German's fourth home game of the campaign.
They took just four points from the opening nine points available at the Parc des Princes. Paris scored five times and conceded four goals to opponents in the capital.
Marseille drew both of their away games this season, scoring three goals and conceding three times. Olympique’s defence has played well thus far, conceding just four times in Ligue 1.
OM’s defence will need to be good against Paris. Striker Kylian Mbappe leads Ligue 1 in goals with seven. Mbappe has scored 70% of PSG’s goals this season.
Marseille manager Marcelino quit the club on Wednesday, just days before playing Paris Saint-Germain. The manager resigned after just three months in the job at Marseille.
David Friio and Jacques Abardonado are likely to be in charge of Marseille for the match.
OM midfielder Pape Gueye is suspended and will miss the match. Midfielder Ismaila Sarr is ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Enrique will be without Marco Asensio is out with a foot injury and won’t be back until October. Goalkeeper Alexandre Letellier is a doubt with a sprained knee.
Defender Nuno Mendes could miss the game due to a hamstring injury. Defender Presnel Kimpembe is a doubt due to an Achilles injury.
Marseille are the draw masters of Ligue 1 this season. OM should get a 2-2 draw away to Paris Saint-Germain as the reigning champions continue to sputter domestically.