Ligue 1 opener: Marseille’s Paixao and Gouiri lead attacking options against Strasbourg

Olympique de Marseille begin their Ligue 1 campaign at home to RC Strasbourg at the Stade Velodrome on Friday, 21 August, with both sides aiming to start the season with three points.

The opening fixture comes with uncertainty over Marseille’s starting XI, particularly in defence. Quinten Timber is suspended, while Leonardo Balerdi and several other central defenders remain doubtful for the match.

Marseille have also seen a number of key players leave during the summer. Greenwood, Aubameyang, Medina and Rulli are among those no longer at the club, while the side has yet to make a signing during the current transfer window.

That places extra responsibility on Igor Paixao and Amine Gouiri, who are expected to be central to the hosts’ attacking threat. Amine Harit is also included among the likely starters as Marseille look to begin the campaign positively in front of their home supporters.

The probable Marseille line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Jeffrey De Lange

Defenders: Emerson Palmieri, Leonardo Balerdi, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Timothy Weah

Midfielders: Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Himad Abdelli, Angel Gomes

Forwards: Amine Gouiri, Amine Harit, Igor Paixao

Strasbourg face their own selection problems, with several defensive absences expected for their first league match. The Alsace-based club have lost important players including Emanuel Emegha, Barco, Abdoul Ouattara and Enciso.

They have nevertheless added to their squad with the arrivals of Filip Jørgensen, Brantlind, Giovanni Reyna, Fadio Balde and Ortega. Martial Godo and Guela Doue remain among the players expected to have significant roles as Strasbourg begin the new campaign.

The probable Strasbourg line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Filip Jørgensen

Defenders: Guela Doue, Ismael Doukoure, Andrew Omobamidele, Ben Chilwell

Defensive midfielders: Samir El Mourabet, Diogo Sousa

Attacking midfielders: Martial Godo, Giovanni Reyna, Sebastian Nanasi

Centre-forward: Sekou Mara

The meeting at the Stade Velodrome will be Marseille’s first match of the French championship season. Both teams will view the fixture as an opportunity to establish early momentum, although each must manage a squad affected by departures and defensive concerns.

According to odds published by the betting company 1xbet, Marseille are priced at 1.64 to win. A draw is listed at 4.20, while a Strasbourg victory is valued at 4.30.

The match therefore begins with Marseille regarded as favourites, but the hosts’ lack of summer additions and uncertainty over Balerdi and other central defenders could give Strasbourg encouragement. The visitors will also need to overcome their own absences as they attempt to leave the Stade Velodrome with a winning start to the Ligue 1 season.