PSG vs. Marseille: 2014 French Derby Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info, Preview
Paris Saint-Germain are determined to see off an upstart Marseille team that is currently four points clear at the top of Ligue 1. The arrival of veteran Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa has revived Marseille.
The team is playing with Bielsa's trademark brand of fluency and creative, attacking intent. But there's no doubt Laurent Blanc's expensively assembled PSG squad represents a significant challenge to Marseille's bright start to the season.
Before a more in-depth look at the game, here are all of the important schedule and viewing details:
Date: Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014.
Time: 8 p.m. (UK) / 3 p.m. (ET)
TV: BT Sport 1 / beIN Sports USA
Live Stream: BT Sport App. beINSports Connect.
Preview
As is often his way, Bielsa has already named his team for what is the biggest fixture of the French season so far. ESPN FC reporter Jonathan Johnson detailed what Bielsa's starting 11 will look like:
A cursory look at the names on that list reveals why Marseille have been so impressive during the season's early stages. It starts at the back where quality goalkeeper Steve Mandanda cuts an intimidating figure.
In front of him, tough and resourceful centre-back Nicolas N'Koulou is an equally formidable presence. The Cameroon star is uncompromising in the tackle but smart in possession.
Further forward, Florian Thauvin and Dimitri Payet are capable of threatening any defence. The latter has the pace and off-the-ball instincts to exploit spaces between the lines.
Payet's movement is an excellent foil for the mercurial brain of Thauvin. He is a player who exudes a natural flair.
Of course, for all of Marseille's quality, PSG are not short of plenty of their own. At the moment, it's bullish striker Edinson Cavani who is thriving.
The quick and towering Uruguayan has already scored nine times for the reigning Ligue 1 champions this term, per WhoScored.com. Of course, Cavani has flourished in his natural centre-forward role, during the absence of club talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
However, the gifted Swede is nearing a return to full fitness and could even see the pitch against Marseille, according to journalist Francois Piraux:
Whoever plays through the middle for PSG will receive excellent support from a strong midfield led by the irrepressible Blaise Matuidi. The former Saint-Etienne man's power and energy links together every aspect of Blanc's team.
Prediction: PSG 3-1 Marseille
Bielsa's side will strike first, but PSG's strength through the spine of the team will eventually wear Marseille down.
