PARIS (AP) — Ligue 1’s two highest-scoring teams will meet on Friday, with nine-time champion Marseille traveling north to face Lille.
Marseille missed out on a chance to move into the top spot with a draw at home last weekend. They remain unbeaten in four games in all competitions, and with a win they have a chance to take the lead again.
Marseille, led by Roberto de Zerbi, are in third place, two points behind leaders Reims. Lille are in 4th place, 5 points behind.
With 35 goals in 14 games, Marseille have the best attacking performance in Europe this season and are currently the highest scoring team in the French top flight since 1970. Lille are also in good form, having won their last three matches in official competitions.
major matches
Leaders Reims play at Nantes on Saturday after a 2-1 win over Angers lifted the club to the top of the table for the first time in 21 years.
Second-placed Paris Saint-Germain, who suffered their second defeat of the season in Monaco, will play Rennes at home in the Champions League next week before traveling to Athletic Bilbao.
Featured players
Florian Tauvin’s talent and efficiency are important assets for the Lens.
The 2018 World Cup winner has been on a resurgence since returning to the league this summer from Italian side Udinese. The 32-year-old winger scored four goals, including two last weekend, and also provided two assists.
His performances led to him being recalled to the French national team after six years away. If he continues to impress, there’s a good chance he’ll play in another World Cup next summer.
“What’s new today is we’re at the top of the league,” Tobin said. “But it’s too early to get carried away. Can we compete with PSG? We’ll see.”
Who’s out?
PSG announced on Thursday that goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier is still recovering from a right ankle injury. Chevalier was injured in the match against Monaco after being tackled by Lamine Camara. PSG are also without Desiree Doue, Nuno Mendes, Achraf Hakimi and Lucas Berardo.
off the field
nice I made a headline For the wrong reasons, following a shocking act of violence by a fan this week. Players and staff were assaulted as they returned to the club’s training and academy center after suffering a sixth consecutive defeat in all competitions on Sunday.
The players accused the club of failing to guarantee their protection. “Given the circumstances, the number of supporters present and their apparent hostility, the measures taken were largely insufficient to ensure the safety of players, staff and everyone involved in the match,” they said.
They also regretted “the lack of recognition of the seriousness of the situation and the limited psychological support available to injured players, both privately and publicly.”
Nice will face Angers at home on Sunday.
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