Marseille vs Lille predictions: Goals likely at the Velodrome

Lille make the long trip to Marseille for Saturday's late game in Ligue 1 and it could be a classic, with both sides trending nicely.

Marseille may have lost 2-0 in the Champions League at Tottenham on Wednesday but were the better side until Chancel Mbemba was sent off for a last man challenge on Son Heung-min early in the second half. 

After a rough start that featured rumours of disquiet in the dressing room regarding his training methods, Igor Tudor's side are unbeaten in their first six domestic matches, most recently winning 2-0 at Auxerre. 

Lille are six points shy of Les Phoceens' tally of 16 but have won both of their last two away games 3-1 at Ajaccio and Montpellier, respectively. 

With no European football to worry about this season, Les Dogues should be fresh heading into Saturday's showdown at the Stade Velodrome. 

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Team news 

Marseille will be able to welcome back Alexis Sanchez after he missed the defeat to Spurs due to a European suspension. 

That could see either Gerson or Matteo Guendouzi drop out, with Luis Suarez set to lead the line. Mbemba is also likely to feature with him unavailable to take on Eintracht Frankfurt next Wednesday following his red card in London, although Tudor could choose to give his likely replacement Leonardo Balerdi some minutes. 

For Lille, their only injury absentee is Timothy Weah, who is battling a foot problem. 

Remy Cabella is likely to feature in the number 10 role for Les Dogues, having impressed when returning to the side after three weeks out against another of his former clubs, Montpellier, last Sunday. 

Paulo Fonseca may also be considering giving Andre Gomes a first start for the club having looked sharp off the bench on his debut in that game following his loan move from Everton. 

The stats 

Marseille may have lost in Europe but they are unbeaten in their six Ligue 1 games this season. 

Lille have tasted defeat twice in the league but both of those came at home, going down 7-1 to Paris Saint-Germain and 2-1 to Nice. 

They also have an in-form striker in Jonathan David, who took his tally to four for the season with his brace against Montpellier. 

Both Sanchez and another player with an Arsenal connection, Nuno Tavares, who is on loan from the Gunners, have scored three goals this season for Marseille. 

The visitors are unbeaten in the pair's last four meetings, however, they have won just once at the Velodrome since 2011, with their last two visits ending in 1-1 draws.

Predictions 

This could be an explosive game and both sides will feel their recent performances give them an edge. 

Marseille's dominance in the first half against Tottenham was not rewarded, while Lille have been fabulous on the road. 

Exactly two goals have been scored on the last four occasions these two have met but this game has the potential for more with the likes of Sanchez and David around. 

Both teams have scored in all six of Lille's Ligue 1 games this season and an entertaining score draw could be on the cards on Saturday.