OM is moving forward confidently but on a tightrope, between national ambition and European challenge. Four days before challenging Sporting CP in the Champions League, Roberto De Zerbi unveils an eleven which defies the predictions. The Italian technician, who we imagined would be tempted by a preventive rotation, decided to maintain his executives for this reception in Le Havre, Saturday evening at the Vélodrome (9:05 p.m.). A way of reminding us that conquering the leadership position in Ligue 1 remains an absolute priority.
De Zerbi surprises… by changing nothing
The real surprise comes from its lack of surprise. Faced with a Norman team looking to maintain their strength, the Marseille coach lines up an eleven very close to the one who had shone before the international break. In the cages, Jeffrey De Lange replaces Geronimo Rulli, left to rest, but the base remains unchanged. In front of him, the Pavard–Balerdi–Aguerd–Emerson quartet forms the typical hinge. In the middle, Højbjerg, O'Riley and Angel Gomes maintain control of the game, while the Greenwood–Aubameyang–Paixão trio will lead the offensive front.
While many were waiting for the young Robinho Vaz to start to spare Aubameyang before the Champions League, De Zerbi did not give in to the temptation of turnover. The Gabonese, as decisive as ever, will lead the attack. Same logic for Greenwood and Paixao, two men on the rise and symbols of vertical football advocated by the Italian coach. The message is clear: Marseille wants to both win and convince, without calculating.
Aubameyang is well aligned from the start against the HAC.
The challenge: keeping the pace before Europe
This loyalty to its executives illustrates De Zerbi's philosophy: never break the collective dynamic. OM can take advantage of PSG's draw against Strasbourg (3-3) to take first place. And with an almost complete squad – only Kondogbia, Medina, Hamed Traoré and Gouiri are missing – the Italian coach prefers to maintain confidence rather than preserve the organizations.
More than a question of composition, this eleven reflects a state of mind. By aligning his usual starters, De Zerbi takes on the pressure and establishes a climate of total competitiveness before the big European meeting. If the bet is risky as Sporting approaches, it sends a strong signal: this OM wants to play on all fronts, without hierarchy or fear of getting burned.
OM's eleven: De Lange – Pavard, Balerdi, Aguerd, Emerson – Hojbjerg, O'Riley, Gomes – Greenwood, Aubameyang, Paixao
