Marseille midfielder Mathieu Valbuena has insisted that his side are capable of pushing big-spending rivals Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco all the way in Ligue 1 this season.
Elie Baup's side have started the season brightly, winning their first two games to join early pacesetters Lyon and Monaco near the Ligue 1 summit.
Valbuena believes that Marseille can benefit from the continuity of keeping a settled side that finished second last season, but did admit that he has been impressed by Monaco's return to the French top flight.
He told reporters: "Why not, even if you have to be careful what you say? Teams like Monaco and PSG have brought in so many more players than we have. But money isn't everything. We're better equipped than last year.
"Monaco have started well. Against Montpellier, they showed a lot of quality. I was surprised by their cohesion. They're a team which is ready before its time.
"There is also Paris. Even if they have stumbled, they're still favourites. Last season, they started slowly before ending up as champions."
L'OM go in search of a third successive victory tomorrow evening at Valenciennes, with Valbuena expected to start as he closes in on 300 appearances for the club.
Liam Power
