MARSEILLE

Marseille haven’t scored in the last two games, but they were extremely aggressive last round, and eager to bounce back after the humiliating 4-0 defeat away at Monaco.

They imposed the rhythm away at St Etienne, created a couple of real scoring opportunities, but weren’t pragmatic enough to score the winner (finished 0-0). Although they have incredibly gifted offensive players, they struggle each round to score goals. Forward Gomis is newly arrived this season, but adapted instantly and is even team captain (when Diarra is out), winger Thauvin returned home after an unsuccessful spell in England, and yes, he can be a bit selfish sometimes, but he can also make the difference on his own. Allesandrini is fresh after injury, but is slowly picking up rhythm.

Fullback Bedimo is still injured, but last round he was replaced by Hubocan, instead of Rekik. Hopefully Hubocan will continue in the lineup, as he appeared more confident in interventions than Rekik.

Hosts will also miss midfielders Diarra and Cabella.

NANCY

Nancy got a huge 4-0 over Metz last round, but the final scoreline doesn’t fully reflect the reality the field. They scored 3 goals in the final 10 minutes, when opponents focused only on finding the equalizer.

Key forward Hadji is still in poor form and barely touched the ball last round. Midfielders Pedretti and Ait Bennaser did all the hard work, along with fullback Cuffaut who was extremely active. Nancy were very dangerous on the right side, that’s why it’s important for Marseille to have a solid and reliable fullback.

Important keeper N’Dy Assembe suffered an injury, the second one this week, and will sit out. Fullback Chretien is also injured. On the other hand they welcome back defenders Muratori and Cabbaco, and forward Robic.

BETTING

It won’t be easy for Marseille, given their poor offensive form and Nancy’s increased confidence, but in the end individual skills can make the difference. MARSEILLE -0.75 at 2.04

Marseille: Samba, Y.Pelé – Sakai, Doria, Rekik, Rolando, Hubocan, Fanni, B.Kamara – Vainqueur, Khaoui, Machach, Zambo Aguissa, M.Lopez – Alessandrini, Njie, B.Sarr, Gomis, Leya Iseka, Thauvin.

Nancy: Chernik, Menay, Cuffaut, Lenglet, Cabaco, Muratori, Badila, Diagne, Aït Bennasser, Pedretti, N’Guessan, Diarra, Puyo, Robic, Dalé, Dia, Hadji, Koura