Jean-Louis Gasset focuses on continuity. The OM technician did not propose a revolution for the starting lineup which will start the Europa League semi-final return against Atalanta Bergamo this Thursday evening. Marseille will play in their usual 3-5-2, or 3-4-2-1.
In defense, Samuel Gigot finds his place in the center alongside Chancel Mbemba and Leonardo Balerdi. Quentin Merlin also finds his place as left piston in place of Luis Henrique. Jonathan Clauss is obviously there on the right.
No change in the midfield with the trio Jordan Veretout, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Hamine Harit returning. The other novelty of the Marseille eleven is the presence of Iliman Ndiaye alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. He is preferred to Ismaïla Sarr, established at the Vélodrome.
Kolasinac’s absence changes everything for Atalanta
Among the Italians, there are also new developments. Out injured in the first leg, Sead Kolasinac finally withdrew from this half-way return. He is replaced in the center by Isak Hien, the young Swede who arrived during the winter transfer window. Marten De Roon moves down to central defense and leaves his place in the midfield to his compatriot Teun Koopmeiners, lined up a notch higher in the first leg.
The Dutchman’s repositioning benefits Ademola Lookman who will support Gianluca Scamacca in attack. The two men will be accompanied by the leader-attacker, Charles De Ketelaere.
OM composition: Pau Lopez (L) – Mbemba, Gigot (Cap.), Balerdi – Clauss, Veretout, Kondogbia, Harit, Merlin – Ndiaye, Aubameyang
Atalanta line-up: Musso (L) – De Roon (Cap.), Hien, Djimsiti – Zappacosta, Koopmeiners, Ederson, Ruggeri – De Ketelaere, Scamacca, Lookman
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Credit: Getty Images
