Olympique de Marseille faces Shakhtar Donetsk in the round of 32 second leg of the Europa League, this Thursday (9 p.m.). Here is the expected line-up for the Marseille club.
Inducted this week to succeed Gennaro Gattuso on the bench of Olympique de Marseille, Jean-Louis Gasset aims to “bring back a little sunshine” to the Marseille club. This Thursday’s clash against Shakhtar Donetsk in the second leg of the Europa League is a godsend in this context. After a 2-2 draw in Hamburg a week ago, the Marseillais want to regain confidence and punch their ticket.
With which starting eleven? The choices of Jean-Louis Gasset will inevitably be scrutinized. In the last weeks of his mandate, Gattuso returned to a 4-3-3 system which does not suit the qualities of his players. Tactical animation will therefore be Gasset’s first strong decision.
Gasset ready to bring out the 3-5-2?
“ We looked at the team compositions. I looked at which composition the players felt most comfortable in, explained the technician. What matters is the animation. If you lose a duel at the last minute, it’s not because you’re playing with three or four players. It’s the smallest detail that’s important. The players realize this because they are unhappy to have lost their mentor.“
Everything suggests that OM should return to a three-way defense. Mïté could fill Balerdi’s suspension alongside Mbemba and Gigot. Clauss and Merlin are expected on the flanks, while the Kondogbia-Ounahi-Harit trio could be aligned in midfield. Ahead, it will be interesting to see which option will be chosen by Gasset to support Aubameyang. Moumbagna could start with a head start thanks to his central attacking profile. Ndiaye also has his say.
The expected lineup for OM : Blanco – Clauss, Méïté, Mbemba, Gigot, Merlin – Kondogbia, Ounahi, Harit – Moumbagna, Aubameyang.
