When Roberto De Zerbi recovers players,
it’s the whole of Olympique de Marseille which is finding color again. The Marseille club demonstrated it again last Friday. While its last performances had been very sluggish, OM achieved a clear and definitive victory in Nice (4-1).
Elements like Timothy Weah or Geoffrey Kondogbia, who have returned to the Marseille group, help to strengthen emulation to pull all these beautiful people to the top. Tuesday, OM will not be at full strength. Some long-term injured players will still be in the infirmary (Aguerd, Medina, Gouiri, Traoré, etc.), but De Zerbi will have enough options in stock to establish his plan.
The first question concerns the system. While OM alternated between a four-man defense and a line of five, it is the first option that would hold the line. In front of Rulli, the Pavard-Balerdi hinge has shown guarantees on the scale of Ligue 1 for the moment. Despite their piston profiles, Weah and Emerson are expected on the sides.
Intense competition in the middle
In the midfield, De Zerbi will have to decide. After his good start to the season, Kondogbia remains a credible solution to support Hojbjerg. Angel Gomes, O’Riley and Vermeeren are also applying to join the starting XI.
There is little doubt about the attack. If young Robinio Vaz is impactful off the bench, OM should start this crucial match with a Greenwood-Aubameyang-Paixao trio. A trio which is starting to find its feet by playing one match after another.
The expected lineup for OM : Rulli – Weah, Pavard, Balerdi, Emerson – Kondogbia, Hojbjerg, Angel Gomes or O’Riley -Greenwood, Paixao; Aubameyang.
