Marseille – Strasbourg

Marseille and Strasbourg have yet to decide their European Cup fate. What to expect from the match between them?

On Matchday 38 of the French championship, Marseille will face Strasbourg at home. The game is crucial for both teams. Marseille are in third place, which entitles them to qualify for the Champions League. But it is tied on points with Monaco, who are in second place. So with any Monegasque misfiring, if they win, Marseille can make a direct run to the Champions League. But Strasbourg won't just give the game away either. This team is in fifth place in Ligue 1. That said, there is a chance of climbing up to fourth position as they are only two points behind Rennes, and the Bretons will have a tough away game against Lille at the same time. But Strasbourg could drop out of the Eurocup zone altogether. Nice are behind with the same number of points and Lens, who have two points less. So, in the worst case scenario, Strasbourg could collapse straight into seventh place, which is quite a shame for a team that had such a good season. Strasbourg have been feeling the strain in recent matches, but they drew with PSG (3-3) and then beat Brest and Clermont 1-0. Also recently dealt with direct rival Rennes. They are a very organised team with a set up game in all lines. Marseille could have felt more comfortable, but got very tired and in the last match lost to Rennes (0-2), i.e. a potential direct competitor. On top of that, Marseille lost their leader Dimitri Payet due to injury, and William Saliba, who became the best young player in Ligue 1, will miss the match due to disqualification. But this is Marseille's last home match of the season, there are big risks, so the Provençal side will fight fiercely. At home this season they have won eight matches, drawn five and lost five. Strasbourg, on the other hand, have won six away games, split the points seven times and lost five times. They too will be fighting for their European Cup chances. And to avenge the 0-2 defeat to Marseille in the first round. Also, Strasbourg have not beaten Marseille in six straight meetings. The last time they won was in a penalty shoot-out in the 2018 Ligue Cup. And it is the only win for Strasbourg since 2005. But that could all change now.