Preview: Marseille vs. Lyon - prediction, team news, lineups

The home side have won the last two Derby des Olympiques clashes, with Les Gones claiming victories in the two games leading up to last season.

Match preview

Despite Europa League success under Gennaro Gattuso, Marseille's league form still leaves much to be desired.

The Olympians have claimed only one victory in three games under the former AC Milan and Napoli boss — a 3-0 triumph over Le Havre — with that triumph sandwiched between two losses against Monaco (3-1) and Nice (1-0).

Despite the club's away blues, Marseille have been dominant at the Velodrome, claiming 10 points from 12 in front of their fans.

Gattuso's men have not conceded in three consecutive home matches, a statistic that underscores the team's strength at home, even if only one game in that run came after the Italian's appointment.

Marseille claimed six points in both fixtures last season, and a repeat will please the home side.

Gattuso's men must get the better of Lyon despite the latter's struggles for performances and results under Fabio Grosso.

The Italian boss has been unable to inspire a turnaround for Les Gones since taking over in mid-September, with the seven-time Ligue 1 champions winless after nine games.

Lyon are the only side in the French top division without a victory, and the recent results against Marseille mean they are underdogs on Sunday.

Grosso's team have not netted an away goal since he replaced Laurent Blanc in September, with the team firing blanks in losses at Brest and Reims.

Lyon could end their wretched start to the season in the Clash of the Olympics, but nothing is assured for the cellar-dwelling club.

Marseille Ligue 1 form:

D

D

L

L

W

L

Marseille form (all competitions):

L

L

D

W

L

W

Lyon Ligue 1 form:

L

D

L

L

D

L

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Team News

Leonardo Balerdi is suspended for Sunday's game after his sending-off in Marseille's 1-0 loss at Nice.

Pau Lopez, Joaquin Correa and Francois Mughe are in the wars, ruling out the trio this weekend.

Lyon will check Mohamed El Arouch's condition before the game, but the midfielder was not expected to play from the off.

Nicolas Tagliafico was dropped from the squad against Clermont for attending Argentina's Rugby World Cup game before gameweek nine's clash but should return to the side at left-back.

Marseille possible starting lineup:

Blanco; Clauss, Mbemba, Gigot, Lodi; Rongier, Veretout, Ounahi; Harit, Aubameyang, Sarr

Lyon possible starting lineup:

Lopes; Mata, Lovren, O'Brien, Tagliafico; Caqueret, Tolisso; Nuamah, Cherki, Jeffinho; Lacazette

We say: Marseille 3-1 Lyon

Lyon's winless run in Ligue 1 could continue against a Marseille side currently playing at a higher level and with a strong record at the Velodrome.

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