Attention will centre on Marseille this weekend in Ligue 1 as Auxerre comes to the iconic Stade Velodrome on Friday night. While both teams are in contrasting form, this match means everything for Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille, trying to narrow the gap at the top, and Auxerre is eager for a push further up the table.
Match Preview:
After suffering a humiliating 3-0 defeat in Le Classique against PSG, the morale boost that Marseille so desperately needed came with a good 2-1 away win over Nantes. Star forward Mason Greenwood’s decisive goal made sure that Marseille reclaimed the second spot in the standings. A title challenge may be out of the question with PSG six points clear, but another season of Champions League football remains a priority for Marseille.
At home, Marseille have been a weak link this season, managing to only win just one of their opening five home games. The inconsistency is so stark at the Velodrome, given that they have indeed won five out of six away matches, an unusual contrast between home and away.
Auxerre’s Solid Home Record, Poor Away Form
Auxerre has been magnificent away from home in recent times at Stade de l’Abbe-Deschamps, with three wins in the last four matches, including a stunning win over Rennes 4-0. After the recent rise, they moved to 10th position, which gave them a good sight of the European qualification spots. Auxerre’s away form has been really poor, having managed to secure only one point in five away games. That is not good news for them with the opposition that they will face on Friday, and a second-placed Marseille will not make things easy for them either.
Marseille vs Auxerre: Team News
Marseille Team Updates
Marseille will welcome the return of suspended Amine Harit. The playmaker is expected to slot back into the starting XI, giving support to man of form Greenwood who scored his seventh league goal last week. Defensive injuries are a huge concern though, as Derek Cornelius remains doubtful after being forced off in the last match, which added him to an injury list that includes Faris Moumbagna, Valentin Carboni and Ulisses Garcia.
Auxerre’s Defensive Crisis
Auxerre have a defensive headache of a situation as integral center-backs Jubal and Sinaly Diomande are both suspended for this tie. Injury concerns to both Paul Joly and Ange Loic N’Gatta further deplete the roster at the back. Manager Christophe Pelissier may be forced to introduce the underutilized Theo Pellenard and former Luton Town defender Gabriel Osho in their places.
Predicted Lineups
Marseille Possible Starting XI
Formation (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Rulli
Defense: Lirola, Balerdi, Brassier, Merlin
Midfield: Kondogbia, Hojbjerg
Attack: Greenwood, Harit, Luiz Henrique
Striker: Rowe
Auxerre Possible Starting XI
Formation (3-4-3):
Goalkeeper: Leon
Defense: Osho, Akpa, Pellenard
Midfield: Hoever, Owusu, Danois, Mensah
Attack: Perrin, Bair, Hamed Traore
Prediction: Marseille vs Auxerre
Considering Marseille’s ambitions and the defensive crisis that Auxerre are facing, the hosts come in as clear favorites. Auxerre’s road struggles will be joined by key absences at the back to give Marseille’s attacking unit an open door into the game.
Score Prediction: Marseille 3-1 Auxerre
Despite their poor start to the season at home so far, Marseille are at an advantage in this clash. Auxerre may find it hard to overcome the defensive fragility this season against the high-powered offense of Marseille as they are likely to win at home. Mason Greenwood and Amine Harit will be influential players up front.
