The match of the eighth day of Ligue1, scheduled for Sunday October 25 at 5:15 p.m. at the Vélodrome, pits Olympique de Marseille against Le Havre. After two consecutive victories, the Phocéens are looking to extend their climb towards the first half of the table, while LeHavre, last in the standings, is trying to secure its first victory of the season.
Marseille has regained its rhythm after a period of difficulties. After four consecutive defeats between the second and fifth days, BrunoGenesio's teams regained confidence upon returning from the international break. They first won 2–0 against Troyes, then 5–2 against Angers, moving up to ninth place, five points behind the leader. Their attack, which has scored seven goals in two games, shows newfound efficiency thanks to contributions from HimadAbdelli, Kamissoko, AmineGouiri, AmineHarit and IgorPaixão. Abdelli, repositioned forward, demonstrated his offensive potential, while Gouiri found the net. TimothyWeah provided two assists, highlighting his key role in building up the action. However, the Marseillais conceded three goals in two games, indicating defensive weaknesses to be corrected. In addition, the club has just played in Europe, facing SturmGraz on Thursday in the Europa League, which risks tiring the squad for the home match.
Le Havre, for its part, is at the bottom of the ranking with only two points after seven days. The Norman club has recorded two draws and five defeats, without any victory to date, and remains five points behind the first non-relegation. Their attack is the worst in Ligue1, with five goals scored, while the defense has shown weaknesses, notably in the 3–1 defeat against Auxerre, where three goals were conceded. Le Havre has often opened the scores in its last three defeats, which forces them to chase the result. Despite these difficulties, Le Havre seeks to take advantage of the potential fatigue of OM, who played two matches in less than three days, to attempt a surprise.
Recent confrontations between the two teams reinforce Marseille's advantage. OM have won the last six league clashes, including a 6–2 home victory in October 2025 and a 0–1 away victory in May 2026. Matches in Marseille have often been difficult for LeHavre, who were dominated 5–1 in January 2025 and 3–0 in October 2023. This historic domination gives the Phocéens a psychological advantage, but they will have to remain vigilant against a team with nothing to lose.
Marseille's likely lineup includes DeLange, Weah, Egan-Riley, Aguerd and Emerson in defense, Kamissoko or Nnadi, Höjbjerg, Harit, Abdelli and Paixão in midfield, and Gouiri in attack. Cornelius is out due to injury, while Koum remains doubtful due to illness. Le Havre could count Gallon, Ouziad, Seko, Touba and L.N'Diaye in defense, R.Ndiaye, Ebonog and Richardson in the middle, and Nakamura, Maja and Samatta in attack, with several absences due to injury or suspension.
In summary, Marseille is looking to consolidate its comeback after a series of victories, while LeHavre is trying to break its losing streak. The match could be a test of Marseille's resilience and Le Havre's ability to exploit any fatigue or defensive imbalance. Marseille fans are waiting for a third consecutive victory, while Le Havre fans are hoping to finally get a point to move out of the bottom.