Written by:
Nicolas Gerbault
Nicolas Gerbault is a passionate and knowledgeable football enthusiast with a special focus on French football. Born and raised in France, Nicolas discovered his love for the beautiful game at a young age and developed a deep understanding of the ins and outs of "Le Championnat." His French roots and extensive experience in football journalism have made him an invaluable asset to the French Football Weekly team.
As an author for the website, his expertise includes not only in-depth analysis of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches but also insightful profiles of up-and-coming talents, detailed transfer news, and engaging coverage of the French national team. His captivating writing style and undeniable passion for the game have earned him a loyal following among our readers.
When he's not crafting engaging articles for French Football Weekly, Nicolas enjoys attending live matches whenever he can, exploring football culture in various French cities, and engaging in spirited debates with fellow fans.
The players enter the pitch!
Opposite, Roberto De Zerbi still has to deal with several significant absences: Gouiri, Weah, Balerdi, Kondogbia and Traoré are still missing, while Nadir, victim of an illness against Angers, is also out. Maupay, himself, remains sidelined. Little surprise in the Marseille eleven: Greenwood starts on the bench, a strong choice for the Italian technician for this trip to Auxerre.
OM’s starting lineup: Rulli – Pavard, Egan-Riley, Aguerd – Murillo, Højbjerg (cap.), O’Riley, Garcia – Angel Gomes – Vaz, Aubameyang.
Deprived of Siwe and El Azzouzi, still in the infirmary, Christophe Pélissier chose a 5-3-2 pattern for this OM reception. The Auxerre coach trusts the Sinayoko–Namaso duo to lead the attacking front, with the aim of shaking up a less comfortable Marseille defense this fall.
Auxerre starting lineup : Léon – Casimir, Senaya, Akpa, Diomandé, Mensah – Coulibaly, Owusu (cap.), Danois – Sinayoko, Namaso.
Since this episode, the Marseille president has tried to show a different face. Less reactive, more measured, he claims a peaceful management of frustrations and a more distant relationship with arbitration. An assumed change of tone, symbol of a club which seeks to control its nerves as much as its football.
OM’s last visit to Auxerre above all marked a turning point for Pablo Longoria. That evening, the Marseille president exploded with anger in the corridors of AbbĂ©-Deschamps, denouncing a “shit championship” and supposed “corruption”. Comments which earned him a heavy suspension and a public mea culpa, the leader admitting to having crossed the red line.
To make matters worse, Marseille travels poorly: 34 fewer goals scored away from home than at the VĂ©lodrome in 2025, the worst differential in the European TOP 5. Enough to give hope to the locals, who have still not scored in the last quarter of an hour this season. Two fragile teams, an urgent need for victory, and an evening that promises to be electric in Burgundy.
The history pleads for the AJA: Auxerre beat OM twice last season (3-1 at the Vélodrome, 3-0 at the Abbé-Deschamps), a performance not seen since the 1980s. In the event of further success, the Icaunais club would achieve a series of three consecutive victories against the Marseillais, something not seen since 1988.
On the Marseille side, the dynamic is hardly more reassuring. Roberto De Zerbi’s men remain on three poor performances in a row, the latest being a frustrating draw conceded against Angers (2-2). The Italian coach is waiting for an electric shock, aware that his team must react to stay on pace with Europe.
The Burgundian team is going through a very complicated period. With only one point taken in his last five matches and seven defeats in the most recent nine, Christophe PĂ©lissier is struggling to find the solution to revive his group. At home, the Auxerre have two consecutive losses, a situation which is starting to weigh on morale and confidence.
Auxerre hosts Marseille this Saturday evening (9:05 p.m.) as part of the 11th day of Ligue 1. L’AbbĂ©-Deschamps is preparing to host a match between two teams losing their bearings. At the bottom of the table, AJA is desperate to stop its fall. OM, for their part, are trying to find their way back after a worrying series of mixed results.