After a very lively international break, theMarseille Olympic plunges back into the daily bread of Ligue 1 with a trip to Nice this Friday, as a curtain-raiser to the 13th day of Ligue 1 (kick-off at 8:45 p.m.).
Once again, Roberto De Zerbi will have to deal with a diminished squad. The Italian technician must do without Facundo Medina, Amine Gouiri, Nayef Aguerd, Hamed Junior Traoré or even Amir Murillo, all on the flank. The good news concerns the return of Geoffrey Kondogbia, who should offer an additional option to his coach, in midfield or in defense.
It is in these two areas of play that there should be the most changes. The margin has already been restricted for a while on the attack line, even if the young Robinio Vaz is applying for a starting place in competition with Pierre-Emerick Aubamyang. Mason Greenwood and Igor Paixao are expected at kick-off.
Nice-OM: De Zerbi hesitates for Hojbjerg
In the midfield, will Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg be lined up? De Zerbi and his staff should decide at the last moment in the case of the Danish international, subject to the infernal pace of the calendar. His compatriot O’Riley should start, while the young Belgian Vermeeren is also expected to join the eleven.
Finally, OM should present themselves with a central defense that is still well patched up with a possible central Egan-Riley – Balerdi hinge. Pavard could slide onto the right side, while Emerson is expected on the left flank. Rulli will hold his place in the goals.
The expected lineup for OM: Rulli – Pavard, Egan-Riley, Balerdi, Palmieri – Hojbjerg, O’Riley, Vermeeren – Greenwood, Aubameyang, Paixao.
