Preview and Prediction
Marseille’s attempt to begin their campaign in 2020/21 season was delayed last week due to the fact that one of their players was infected. It could be quite a blessing in disguise as they have more time to prepare their squad. This weekend seems to be the perfect time to head on a positive start while visiting Brest’s home turf. Andre Villas-Boas’ men should have no difficulty for such maximum result.
Both teams’ latest news
Stade Brestois 29 started their campaign badly as they were hammered 0-4 by Nimes Olympique last weekend. Their new summer signings such as Franck Honorat, Christophe Herelle, Heriberto Tavares and Romain Favre have not given any positive impact on Brest’s form yet. It will be something they have to work on for improving their domestic campaign.
Marseille has not spent a lot in this summer either. They only signed Pape Gueye from Le Havre, their loanee Alvaro Gonzalez from Villareal and Leonardo Balerdi on loan. The Champions league winner in 1993 edition also terminated the contract of Gregory Sertic.
Possible tactic
Olivier Dall’Oglio tends to deploy 4-2-3-1 formation with Gaetan Charbonnier or Irvin Cardona as the targetman, supported by Franck Honorat and Heriberto Tavares on both wings. On the injury table, Denys Bain is ruled out due to his injury.
Meanwhile, the former Porto, Chelsea and Tottenham boss, Andre Villas-Boas opts for more offensive 4-3-3 formation with the trident, the Argentine Diego Benedetto, Florient Thauvin and the senior Dmitri Payet upfront. In the midfield, Kevin Strootmann, Morgan Sanson and Maxine Lopez will be guarding the mid zone.
Players to watch
Brest’ will be relying on Irvin Cardona alongside Franck Honorat and the former Benfica man, Heriberto Tavares. They are likely to be their key figures of the team this season. Another notable name to watch is possible Christophe Herelle.
In Marseille, Dmitri Payer will be the one of their top performers. The former West Ham man is a creative attacking midfielder who can play in both wings. Some other key men in the squad are the goalie Steve Mandanda, the Japanese wing back Hiroki Sakai and the targetman Diego Benedetto.
Brest vs Marseille Prediction
The home side’s poor form last week while losing against Nimes shows a serious frailty in their defence. Olivier Dall’Oglio might need to modify his tactics in order to avoid being the sitting duck for Marseille’s daunting attacking lines. Playing more defensive with 5-4-1 formation can be employed here. However, Dmitri Payet and Co will still come out as a winner eventually, although perhaps their victory might be not in a big score.
Betting Odds
Olympique Marseille is the clear favourite here, according to punters. They are priced to win at 1.97 whereas Brest is backed to win at 3.65. The odds for a draw result are at the value of 3.70.
