Marsielle V Lille

[Guest Tulse Hill]

Marseille v LilleHead to Head26-04-2009 Ligue 1 Lille Olympique Marseille 1 - 223-11-2008 Ligue 1 Olympique Marseille Lille 2 - 220-04-2008 Ligue 1 Olympique de Marseille Lille OSC 1 - 301-12-2007 Ligue 1 Lille OSC Olympique de Marseille 1 - 108-04-2007 Ligue 1 Olympique Marseille OSC Lille 4 - 112-11-2006 Ligue 1 OSC Lille Olympique Marseille 1 - 019-03-2006 Ligue 1 Lille Marseille 0 - 029-10-2005 Ligue 1 Marseille Lille 1 - 111-01-2005 Ligue 1 Lille Marseille 1 - 215-08-2004 Ligue 1 Marseille Lille 3 - 0MarsielleDidier Deschamps has sent out a message this summer with some solid acquisitions most notably Lucho Gonzalez from Porto who in fairness could be playing at a much higher level but goes to show you the clubs ambitions, the Argentine playmaker will vital in Marsielles success this year a player the club has been lacking and in the same mould as Gourcuff who played a big hand in Bordeaux success last year. There has always been a worry at the back with Marsielle but Steve Mandanda is a promsing young keeper whos made big strides over the last few years and he can only get better, the singing of Gabriel Hienze from Real Madrid will sure things up at the back although he is not a typical Marsielle centre back that is athletic and has pace to burn but this is an astute buy from Deschamps as he'll bring some vital expierance and quallity.The club lost their Albanian warrior Loric Cana to Sunderland although at times his temperment had more of a negative effect on the team and has been replaced by a talented young player from Rennes called Steven Mbia who is in the Makalele mould and will cover some vital ground in a three man midfield and isn't scared to get forward.Marsielle have missed a cool head upfront last year especially in the last few months of the season and they've brought Fernando Morientes this summer who is getting on abit but you don't need to have pace to succeed in Ligue 1 as clever strikers in France do well regardless of age; Pauletta, Savidan, Gignac to name a few and Fernando may be used sparingly but his expertise in finishing will come in handy for a team that create a lot of chances especially at home, I'd expect 10 to 15 goals from him this year.Marsielle have a real solid look about them this year with a lot of variety through the squad and I have had a confident bet on them to win the league, Deschamps has brought as well as i've seen in France over the last 5 years and I am confident they will be fighting tooth n nail come end of the season.LilleLille are a small club that haven't got the funds to compete with the bigger clubs but they are very astute and were a force under Claude Puel but after the big money Makoun departure a few seasons ago they have funded their stability in Ligue 1 wisely and remain a tough outfit to beat but they are no champions.Manager Rudi Garcia has managed to secure the deal for Tulio De Melo the Brazilian striker who was one of the most lethal in europe under his reign and their relationship looks set to blossom with a pre-season under their belt, a tall but deceptively mobile striker given the chance Tulio will put the ball in the back of the net and a proven striker in this league.Lille have been gifted with one of the brightest young gems in European football in Eden Hazard who absolutely tore defences apart last year with a Ronaldo esq directness he not only surprised his team mates but many of proffesionals in Ligue 1 last year and he is a match winner.There was one stand out defender for Lille last year in Adil Rami who kept many a striker quiet although could of done with a helping hand from his team mates at the back and has admirably decided to stay another season despite strong rumours of him leaving for a bigger club, he remains a big asset for them and the signing of Landreau in goal will give the side a big boost as he is respected as one of the best keepers in Ligue 1.One major blow was losing their best attacking force for years in Michel Bastos, the winger signed for Lyon in the summer for £14 million and his pace/power and set piece abillity will be soarly missed. He has how ever been replaced for the pocket dynamo Gervinho an ex Le Mans player who Rudi Garcia has again had the chance to work with at his time for Le Mans in which the Ivorian attacker made a very big name for himself attracting the likes of Arsenal and Lyon for his skill and pace putting defenders on the back foot for most of the match.Lille will remain a selling club and have made some clever signings this year in Gervinho and De Melo, although they wont be challenging for any titles soon as they are far too weak at the back being far are too complacent and lack that cutting edge when building from midfield. Its only a matter of time before Hazard is sold although the boy plays with no fear and he'll win them more than their fair share of points this year with aims of a European spot a respectable goal.Marsielle - 1.73 £250 winThanks for readingTulse

[serpent]

Nice write up - looking good so far also

[Doom]

impressive tulse

[Guest Tulse Hill]

Cheers guys, 1-0 win for Marsielle.