3. Olympique de Marseille Vs. Montpellier HSC

Saturday, 1 pm ET

There are three huge matches in France this week, with Lyon facing PSG and league leaders Lille taking on Bordeaux, but this one is arguably the most intriguing.

After their outstanding playmaker Tino Costa was solid to Valencia in the summer, Montpellier looked like they would struggle to duplicate their performance from last season. They haven’t been as entertaining without Costa, but thus far they’ve been just as effective. Despite scoring only 13 goals in their first 14 games, Montpellier have found a way to grind out results. Because of those results, they currently sit in second place. Olivier Giroud is Montpellier’s leading scorer with six goals, and he’s been aided by Costa’s replacement, Marco Estrada. Giroud, Estrada, and a proficient defense make Montpellier tough to beat, but they may find themselves over-matched by Marseille’s talent.

Marseille might be disappointed to find themselves in fifth place, but they’re only two points behind league leaders Lille and they’re coming off a road win against Toulouse, as well as an impressive away win in the Champions League. Big time signing Andre-Pierre Gignac has failed to produce, but others have stepped up to fill the void. Attacking midfielder Lucho Gonzalez has been Marseille’s best player while Ghanaian international Andre Ayew, returning after going out on loan has year, has contributed as well. Cesar Azpilicueta and Taye Taiwo make up one of the most dangerous attacking fullback tandems anywhere in Europe. Loic Remy has been solid at times as well, softening the blow that is the struggles of APG. All in all, Marseille are possibly the most talented team in France and should challenge for the title all season.

Montpellier have done well thus far to stay near the top of the table, but Marseille are likely to put a dent in their hopes for a European place this weekend. I’m predicting a 2-0 Marseille victory.