Tuesday evening, OM welcome Newcastle in a pivotal match for their European ambitions. And, in the English camp, one name attracts all the attention: Mason Greenwood. Top scorer in Ligue 1 with ten goals, including a double last Friday in Nice, the English striker arrives in exceptional form. Enough to worry Eddie Howe, who has made his neutralization the top priority of his game plan.
Howe admits: “Greenwood is one of their best players”
In the pre-match press conference, the Magpies manager did not try to avoid the subject. Asked how to contain the England striker, Howe was clear: “Part of our plan will be to try to stop their offensive players, and he (Greenwood) is one of the best they have. » A clear admission: Newcastle is wary of the most decisive player in Ligue 1 and is preparing a specific defensive approach to avoid giving him space. Among the English, we consider Greenwood to be OM’s major weapon, capable of turning a match on its head with a single inspiration.
Around this identified threat, Newcastle is building a broader strategy. Howe recalled the importance of consistency and managing emotions in a Vélodrome “where the atmosphere will be hot”. The English coach wants a disciplined, focused team capable of stifling the tempo imposed by the Marseillais. Another key point mentioned: the midfield battle, essential according to him to control spaces and prevent Greenwood from being served in good conditions.
An OM in good shape but under pressure
For Marseille, the dynamic is positive: four victories in a row, a successful attack and a Greenwood that has been irresistible for several weeks. But the situation in the ranking requires a form of emergency. With only three points in four days, OM must beat Newcastle to stay alive in the race for the top 24 and hope to compete in the play-offs. Greenwood’s return to England adds an additional dimension: the player is particularly motivated to shine in front of an audience who knows him well, and perhaps in front of coach Thomas Tuchel.
