Marseille v PSG: Le Classique preview and predicted lineups for September 20, 2026

Marseille host Paris Saint-Germain at the CEPAC Vélodrome on Sunday, September 20, 2026 (BST) in the first Le Classique of the 2026-27 Ligue 1 season. Both teams have started inconsistently, with Marseille enduring a difficult opening to the campaign and PSG having dropped points across their opening four league matches.

Marseille arrive after a 4-1 defeat to Beşiktaş, while PSG's most recent league outing was a 1-0 win over Brest. The sides last met in February, when PSG recorded a 5-0 victory, and available Ligue 1 head-to-head data lists PSG with 28 wins to Marseille’s five, alongside six draws. The visitors will be aiming to build momentum, though the match at the Vélodrome is expected to be competitive.

Amine Gouiri has scored four goals in four Ligue 1 appearances and leads Marseille’s scoring charts; he is identified as Marseille’s principal attacking threat. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Amine Harit are expected to play important roles in midfield as Marseille look to create opportunities for Gouiri. Igor Paixão, Angel Gomes and Timothy Weah are also named in the club’s predicted selection to support the forward line.

Ferran Torres has netted three goals in four Ligue 1 appearances and was on target in PSG’s recent 1-0 victory over Brest, with the source noting his movement through the centre of the attack will be important against Marseille’s defence. Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are expected to support Torres in attack, while Vitinha, João Neves and Fabián Ruiz are projected to form PSG’s midfield three. The predicted attacking and midfield setup aims to provide service and balance for Torres and company.

Marseille are without Geoffrey Kondogbia (muscle injury) and Tochukwu Nnadi (knee problem). Nayef Aguerd is therefore expected to continue in central defence alongside CJ Egan-Riley. The article's predicted Marseille XI is: Jeffrey De Lange; Timothy Weah, CJ Egan-Riley, Nayef Aguerd, Emerson; Himad Abdelli, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg; Amine Harit, Angel Gomes, Igor Paixão; Amine Gouiri.

PSG are dealing with an injury to Achraf Hakimi (thigh) and he is expected to miss the match, with Warren Zaïre-Emery listed at right-back and Nuno Mendes on the opposite flank in the predicted setup. The projected PSG XI provided is: Matvey Safonov; Warren Zaïre-Emery, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; João Neves, Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz; Ousmane Dembélé, Ferran Torres, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The piece notes PSG possess the stronger squad and that Marseille’s defensive absences could make it difficult to contain the visitors’ attack, while home advantage should keep Marseille competitive.

The match will be broadcast in Nigeria on SuperSport 1 Africa and Canal+ Sport 2 Afrique. For further updates the article directs readers to follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App, or join the Khel Now community on Telegram.