Marseille set to topple troubled Toulouse in Ligue 1 opener

Ligue 1 7.45pm Friday

Toulouse fans were relieved to see their side survive the relegation playoff at the end of last season but they face a tough start to the new French season when they visit Marseille in this term's Ligue 1 curtain-raiser.

Marseille had to settle for Europa League qualification in 2017-18, despite losing just two matches at the Stade Velodrome, and they can start the new campaign with a comprehensive win.

Rudi Garcia's side have added Croatian Duje Caleta-Car to their squad and made former loanee Jordan Amavi a permanent signing as they attempt to shore up a defence who conceded the most goals of last season's top five.

Marseille did the double over Toulouse last term, winning the corresponding fixture 2-0, and they can again wreak havoc on a team short of quality.

Rudi Garcia's side have added Croatian Duje Caleta-Car to their squad and made former loanee Jordan Amavi a permanent signing as they attempt to shore up a defence who conceded the most goals of last season's top five.

Marseille did the double over Toulouse last term, winning the corresponding fixture 2-0, and they can again wreak havoc on a team short of quality.

Toulouse have lost crucial defender Issa Diop and goalkeeper Alban Lafont to West Ham and Fiorentina respectively.

The players coming in have been uninspiring, with goalkeeper Baptiste Reynet signing from a Dijon team who had the second-worst defensive record in the league last term, and forward Firmin Mubele joining from Rennes, where he scored just one goal.

The visitors won only two of their final 14 games in the league last season and picked up a mere 11 points from their 19 away fixtures.

Marseille juggled European responsibility with league duties to end last season unbeaten in eight Ligue 1 matches and they can pick up from where they left off on matchday one of the 2018-19 campaign.

Recommendation
Marseille -1 on goal handicap
1pt 6-5 Coral, Ladbrokes

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

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