Olympique de Marseille travels to Rennes for the round of 16 of the Coupe de France, this Sunday (9:05 p.m.). Here is the expected line-up for the Marseille club.
Far from its objectives in Ligue 1, Olympique de Marseille has a card to play in the Coupe de France. The oldest competition represents the shortest path to access a European Cup, although it is not the most prestigious. The fact remains that Gennaro Gattuso’s men will have to give up a big piece to continue their journey since they are opposed this Sunday evening at Stade Rennais, for the most tempting poster of these round of 16 matches.
The infirmary empties for OM
A match that Gattuso still approaches with puzzles. Deprived of 7 players called up by their selections for the African Cup of Nations, the Italian technician must also deal with the hazards of injuries and the winter transfer window. The good news is that the infirmary is gradually emptying. “Kondogbia was missing who is not yet 100%, we will see tomorrow. Correa is back even if he still lacks rhythm. Garcia arrived. I want us to win tomorrow against Rennes. The group recovered well! “, Gattuso said at a press conference.
Can Kondogbia be started this Sunday? The hypothesis cannot be excluded. But no risks will be taken with the midfielder, whose presence will be important in the weeks to come. Gattuso, who deplored the departure of Renan Lodi, could also take advantage of this shock to launch new faces. Vitinha, announced on departure, could make one of his last appearances with the Marseille jersey. If the executives Aubameyang, Clauss or Gigot are expected, the number 2 goalkeeper Blanco could continue in goals after having been aligned at Thionville in the previous round (1-0).
“Obviously my goal is to impose myself and become number one, otherwise I won’t be here, explained Pau Lopez’s understudy. I give my all to be the best even if I don’t play. I want more… There is no frustration on my part, when I start my week it is because I can play on the weekend, Pau (Lopez) plays on the weekends, but I have wanna play. I decided to stay knowing that I was going to play less but with the motivation to play more…”
The expected lineup for OM : Blanco – Meïté, Gigot, Balerdi – Clauss, Kondogbia, Nadir, Veretout, Murillo – Vitinha, Aubameyang.
