Bordeaux-Marseille, key stats on a classic clash!

At the very top level of French football, Bordeaux-Marseille has a long and prestigious history. The two sides have met on 115 occasions in the top division, making it the second most-played fixture in the history of the league, just behind Bordeaux-Saint Etienne (117). Historically speaking, the stats are perfectly balanced. Both Bordeaux and Marseille have won on 38 occasions, with 39 draws along the way.

The stakes are high for this heavyweight clash. Not only do the two clubs have a long rivalry, Bordeaux also have an incredible unbeaten run to maintain - the longest in league history. The last time Marseille won in Bordeaux was on 1st October 1977, when they pipped the Girondins 2-1.  Over the past 35 seasons, Bordeaux have never lost to OM at home, racking up 21 victories and 14 draws. A unique record to be protected at all costs!

After poor results in recent weeks, both sides will be looking for a rebound this weekend.  Bordeaux have endured a tough spell of late. After a strong runs of four matches without a defeat (three wins and a draw), the Girondins have lost their last four games, including a disappointing showing in the Coupe de France on Wednesday (a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Toulouse). The Girondins have also been highly unpredictable at home, with not a single draw in their last 9 fixtures in Bordeaux (5 victories and 4 defeats). Marseille have also been in the doldrums lately. They are without a win in six Ligue 1 matches, their longest winless run since February-April 2016 (when they went a whole 11 games without a single victory). They have been particularly poor away from home, winning none of their last five away trips in Ligue 1 (two draws and three defeats) in their worst run since May-November 2016 (9 away games without a win).

Marseille have managed to play their opponents offside on 65 occasions this season in Ligue 1. They are masters of the offside trap - Girondins beware! Striker Ui-Jo Hwang is Bordeaux's current form player, having been involved in 6 of their last 10 goals (5 goals and one assist).