OM no longer has a choice. After a humiliation against Monaco and a black series that never ends, the reception of Montpellier, good last in the championship, is almost a match of the last chance. For this 30th day of Ligue 1, Roberto de Zerbi tried a strong bet: to review his defense. Deprived of his captain Leonardo Balerdi, in the recovery phase, the Italian coach opted for an unprecedented and experimental axial trio. Ulisses Garcia, usually used on the left flank, begins in central defense alongside Geoffrey Kondogbia and Murillo. None of the three is a pure central defender, which once again testifies to the fragility of the Olympian rearguard.
In the midfield, the hierarchy is confirmed. Ismaël Bennacer retains the confidence of De Zerbi to accompany Pierre-Emile Højbjerg in the midfield. A new sidelining for Valentin Rongier, relegated to the bench. The two men will have the mission of ensuring balance in a system where OM has often shown signs of disorganization from opposing recovery.
Panic in Marseille? From Zerbi DIY facing Montpellier
On the sides, De Zerbi's choices are constant, despite the criticism. Luis Henrique, however unconvincing in recent weeks, remains a right piston, while Quentin Merlin occupies the left flank. In attack, by Zerbi decided to bet on speed and percussion with Mason Greenwood and Adrien Rabiot in support of Amine Gouiri, aligned in point.
OM: this strong choice of De Zerbi who can change everything
With this composition, OM has no other objective than victory. Faced with Montpellier, which remains out of ten consecutive defeats and which seems to be condemned to relegation, another result would be perceived as a new failure. Especially since the Marseillais play big: a victory would allow them to go temporarily to second place in the ranking.
If this hybrid composition is not enough, the crisis could be able to ventilate on the side of the Vélodrome orange. The Marseille coach, regularly criticized for his tactical choices, plays big this Saturday. In the event of a misstep, the pressure could become unbearable.
The eleven of OM against Montpellier: Rulli – Murillo, Kondogbia, U. Garcia – Bennacer, Hojbjerg; Luis Henrique, Merlin – Rabiot, Greenwood; GOUIRI.
