After a narrow defeat at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid (1-2) and a slap in the face to Ajax Amsterdam (4-0), theMarseille Olympic sets the table again for its third match in this regular phase of the Champions League.
Roberto De Zerbi's team travels to Portugal to challenge Sporting this Wednesday evening (kick-off at 9 p.m.). A meeting that the Marseillais approach with a still smaller group since Amine Gouiri, Hamed Junior Traoré, Geoffrey Kondogbia and Facundo Medina are all in the infirmary.
Roberto De Zerbi, OM coach.
De Zerbi is, however, delighted to be able to rely on a sufficiently strong group to fill these absences. Competition is intense in all sectors, and OM will again present themselves with a competitive eleven.
De Zerbi makes a risky choice
The first surprise concerns the choice of animation. The option of a 5-man defense would be favored, with a Pavard-Balerdi-Aguerd trio in the center, and the pistons Murillo and Emerson to liven up the sides. A risky choice in the context of a trip, but indicative of the degree of confidence which currently animates the Italian technician.
In the midfield, the Danish pair O'Riley-Højbjerg showed great complementarity and should be continued. Up front, it is the experienced Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who should take his place in the center, with two strikers in great shape to support him: Mason Greenwood and Igor Paixão.
The expected lineup for OM: Rulli – Pavard, Balerdi (c), Aguerd – Murillo, O'Riley, Højbjerg, Emerson – Greenwood, Aubameyang, Paixão.
