After a heavy defeat as a result for Dall'Oglio, the Greens welcome Olympique de Marseille for the second time in December. Opportunity to shine, undoubtedly, while the Phocaeans are used to bowing to the little ones. Return to the context and issues of the meeting.
Where to follow ASSE – OM?
The Stéphanois face Olympique de Marseille this Sunday at 2:45 p.m. in the 32nd finals of the Coupe de France. A meeting to follow on beIN Sports 1 and in clear on France 3.
Saint-Étienne in an unstable situation
An ungenerous draw for the Greens, already in difficulty in Ligue 1. ASSE is struggling as best it can with its weapons to remain in the elite. The Greens hosted OM on December 8 in a one-sided encounter (0-2 defeat). But the performance delivered against Téfécé last weekend (2-1 defeat), despite an attractive match, definitely cost Olivier Dall'Oglio his head.
Second worst defense in Ligue 1, no European team has suffered as many penalties as ASSE. A sadly negative result for the team which, however, inherited the status of best defense in Ligue 2 less than a year ago.
Marseille at full speed
Under the reigns of Roberto De Zerbi, the Phocaeans finally seem to have found their career rhythm. Because after several years of scarcity, Frank McCourt's project is truly taking off.
Second in the championship, the Marseillais (30 points) have been chasing Paris Saint-Germain (40 points) since August. Best away elite team (21 points out of 24 possible), OM wins on average two points per match (nine wins, three draws and as many defeats). The Phocéens also play the role of the second best attack in the championship (32 goals scored, 18 conceded).
La Minute OM looks back at the squad possibly fielded this Sunday : “There will be maybe five or six players who will rotate. Probably there will be a turnover concerning the goalkeepers. Jeffrey de Lange will probably be in Rulli's place. We are waiting for Brassier to return, probably from Ulisses Garcia also in midfield, it is possible that we could see Bilal Nadir.
A large-scale change at ASSE?
Olivier Dall'Oglio now sacked, the leaders of Saint-Etienne must now find his replacement. Several names have been circulating in the press in recent months, such as Wilfried Nancy performing well in MLS. But Eirik Horneland would be the priority of the Saint-Etienne board. A fan of a modern and innovative game, the Norwegian coach has reached an agreement with ASSE.
If he should not be on the Saint-Etienne bench this Sunday, Laurent Huard will act as interim manager, as in December 2023.
Opportunity to shine?
The Coupe de France could be a good way for the Stéphanois to get back on the right path. Toulouse in 2023, Nantes the previous year: the little thumbs are fans of the CDF to put themselves forward. Especially since Olympique de Marseille seems to be in difficulty against the “small clubs” (defeats against Carquefou, Quevilly, Grenoble and Andrézieux).
La Minute OM does not hide the importance of the Coupe de France in the Marseille season : “It's a very important match for the Marseillais, to close this first part of the season. There is still the trauma of the quarter-final lost two years ago. De Zerbi is capable of rotating his squad. It's a goal perhaps as important as qualification for the Champions League for the supporters.”
The Coupe de France would undoubtedly bring a little comfort to ASSE before the end of year celebrations. It remains to be seen whether the leaders, as well as the Saint-Etienne team, will give importance to the competition.
Like every week, your Peuple-Vert news media offers you its pre-match. Available for free on Youtube.
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