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The 2026/27 Ligue 1 season kicks off at Stade Velodrome as Olympique de Marseille welcome rc Strasbourg in the opening match of the season on Friday, 21 August.
The two teams will begin the new season under new leadership after poor 2025/26 campaigns.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Marseille vs Strasbourg key stats
- Bruno Genesio departed Lille after securing UCL qualification.
- Marseille, under Genesio, will play their 30th consecutive Ligue 1 season.
- The 2026/27 campaign will be Strasbourg’s ninth straight in Ligue 1.
- Strasbourg were the third-best away side in the top-flight last term.
Marseille vs Strasbourg preview: Olympians eye sixth straight opening day victory
Marseille vs Strasbourg — Tale of the Tape
| Marseille | vs | Strasbourg |
|---|---|---|
| 5th (Ligue 1 25/26) | Position | 8th (Ligue 1 25/26) |
| 59 | Points | 53 |
| 63 | Goals For | 58 |
| 45 | Goals Against | 47 |
| 8 | Clean Sheets | 8 |
| 3rd | Home / Away Rank | 7th |
Marseille endured a disappointing 2025/26 campaign, finishing fifth and missing out on Champions League football altogether. They will play in the Europa League this season.
A first Ligue 1 title since 2009/10 is what the Olympians will target, with Bruno Genesio also eyeing the shield after spells at Lyon, Rennes and Lille.
Marseille won three of their five pre-season friendlies, all sandwiched between two losses. A strong start is expected here though, given they are unbeaten in their last five opening Ligue 1 home games.
Nayef Aguerd is still recovering from a groin injury earlier in the year, while Faris Moumbagna and Egan Riley could also sit this one out.
Unlike Marseille, Strasbourg fell entirely short of European football last season as they finished eighth.
Gary O’Neil left for Ipswich Town, leaving the vacancy open for Portuguese manager Hugo Oliveira to lead the dugout. Oliveira, however, failed to steer his new-look Racing side positively, losing all but one of his seven preparatory games.
Strasbourg finished last season unbeaten in six successive league matches away from home. They will look to replicate that when they visit the Velodrome on Friday.
The biggest name missing from Strasbourg’s roster is Joaquin Panichelli, who continues to recover from a anterior ligament tear. Soumaila Coulibaly, Ben Chilwell and Abakar Sylla are also expected to be sidelined.
Marseille vs Strasbourg form guide & betting tips
| Marseille | vs | Strasbourg |
|---|---|---|
LDLWW |
Last five form – 2025/26 season | LLDWW |
| 9 | Goals For | 6 |
| 7 | Goals Against | 14 |
LWWWL |
Last five | LLLLW |
Whispers predicts: Marseille 3-1 Strasbourg
Despite the departure of Mason Greenwood, Marseille are still loaded with attacking talent. Amine Gouiri to score anytime at 7/5 (2.40) is worth punting on, per Bet365. He scored against Strasbourg last term, and has proved decisive in the latter minutes, scoring four of his last five league strikes in the second half.
HT/FT – Draw/Marseille at 4/1 (5.00) carries significant value, with Marseille expected to take it up a notch after the interval after a cagey opening half.
Marseille’s 17 Ligue 1 home games last season produced a league-high average of 3.59 total goals per game. Over 3.5 total goals at 13/10 (2.30) is a bet worth a shot.
Marseille are the likelier team to win, but they are also likely to concede – Marseille to win & BTTS – Yes at 2/1 (3.00) is worth backing.
> Amine Gouiri to score anytime at 7/5 (2.40) | Likelihood: Likely
> Draw/Marseille at 4/1 (5.00) | Likelihood: Possible
> Over 3.5 total goals at 13/10 (2.30) | Likelihood: Probable
> Marseille to win & BTTS – Yes at 2/1 (3.00) | Likelihood: Possible