13th Jan. French Cup---FC Bayeux VS Marseille Prediction
France Cup - FC Bayeux VS Marseille
Match Time:14-01-2026 04:00 Wednesday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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FC Bayeux
This historic matchup sees sixth-tier Régionale 1 side FC Bayeux face Ligue 1 giants Olympique de Marseille in the Coupe de France round of 32 (seizièmes de finale), relocated to the larger Stade Michel d'Ornano in Caen due to demand—sold out with massive local support turning it into a dream occasion for the amateurs. Bayeux, the last remaining regional club in the competition, have produced a fairy-tale run: knocking out higher-division opponents including a stunning upset over third-tier (National) SM Caen and a gritty 2-1 win over Blois (National 2) to reach this stage. Their domestic league form in Régionale 1 is modest (mid-table, recent draws like 3-3 and 1-1), but cup performances show resilience, organization, and ability to grind results with limited resources. No major reported injuries in the small squad; manager Éric Fouda will likely field a compact, hardworking unit relying on experience from players like Quentin Mayette (recent scorer), Benjamin Renaux, Romain Guillotte, and others who mix local talents, part-timers (including a farmer noted for his heart), and club youth. Expect a defensive 4-4-2 or similar setup to frustrate Marseille early, press in numbers, and hope for set-piece chances or counters in front of an inspired, packed crowd.
Olympique de Marseille
Roberto De Zerbi's Ligue 1 side arrive as overwhelming favorites, under pressure to deliver after a shaky start to 2026—including a penalty shootout loss to PSG in the Trophée des Champions final and recent domestic setbacks. The Coupe de France offers a chance to rebuild confidence and chase silverware. Their cup path has been dominant so far: a convincing 6-0 thrashing of Bourg-en-Bresse in an earlier round. Rotation is expected given fixture congestion and recent fatigue, but De Zerbi has signaled intent to field a strong team—no room for slip-ups against lower opposition. Key absences include Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (rested), Nayef Aguerd (international duty at AFCON), Arthur Vermeeren (suspended), Robinio Vaz (potential departure), and doubts over Geoffrey Kondogbia and Igor Paixão (absent from recent training—possibly rest or minor issues). The lineup should still feature high quality: likely Pau López in goal, defenders like Leonardo Balerdi or Ulisses, midfielders with Valentin Rongier, Amine Harit, or Ismaël Bennacer providing control, and forwards featuring Mason Greenwood, Elye Wahi, or others for firepower. Marseille's strengths—technical superiority, pace on counters, and set-piece threat—make them lethal even rotated.
Head to Head Analysis
There is no meaningful historical head-to-head between FC Bayeux and Olympique de Marseille—this is their first-ever competitive meeting. Bayeux, a modest amateur club from Normandy, have never previously faced a Ligue 1 opponent of this caliber in official competition. Marseille, as a top-tier professional side, hold an obvious gulf in class, resources, and experience. In Coupe de France history, elite clubs like OM rarely stumble against much lower-division teams in knockout ties, especially when motivated—though the competition is famous for occasional giant-killings. Marseille have been eliminated at the round of 32 in each of the last two seasons (on penalties to Rennes in 2024 and Lille in 2025), but they have a strong record against inferior opposition overall, often winning convincingly. Bayeux's recent cup heroics (upsets over National sides) show they can compete beyond their level at home, but the step up to professional Ligue 1 quality, combined with Marseille's need to avoid embarrassment, tilts this heavily toward the visitors. Expect a one-sided affair in terms of possession and chances, with Marseille controlling and punishing mistakes.
Prediction
Bayeux will embrace the occasion at a raucous Stade Michel d'Ornano, defending stoutly early and hoping to frustrate Marseille while dreaming of a miracle. The home support and cup magic could make it competitive for stretches, but Marseille's superior quality, motivation after recent disappointments, and attacking depth should prove far too much—even with rotation. De Zerbi's side will dominate possession, create numerous opportunities, and pull away as fatigue sets in for the amateurs.
Final prediction: FC Bayeux 0-4 Olympique de Marseille (Marseille advance). A comfortable, professional win for the visitors with multiple goals, likely including some late ones as Bayeux tire.
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