After 15 days of big trouble following the astonishing defeat against Auxerre (1-3), accompanied by a disastrous performance, OM are back on the pitches of Ligue 1. And it won't be easy against RC Lens, currently 8th in the championship, but only 3 points behind OM, third. The good news, ultimately, is that this match will be played away from the Marseille bases.
De Zerbi: “I don't know if it's the moment of truth, but it's an important match”
Because, as crazy as it may seem, the Marseillais are very strong away from home, where they have 5 victories in 6 matches, but also 18 goals scored, an average of 3 goals per match! The Lensois coach, Will Still, who obviously planned his move, knows that OM will be strong at the end of the afternoon, as he explained to the press: “They have won 7 of their last 8 away games and are scoring a lot of goals. On the outside, it's very sturdy. We will have to be very good, try to put them in difficulty while respecting their state of form. There is a set-up that is tactically super clean and super precise. It will be a real good test, a challenge physically, technically and tactically. On the outside, it's more than tough.“
But OM also has wounds to heal. The poor performances at home raise certain doubts and Roberto De Zerbi knows very well that his group is expected at the turning point: “It's true that tomorrow we have an important match, but it remains a three-point match as always, not a twelve-point match. We know what we must do to succeed in delivering a good performance, to progress and correct our faults. I think that would already be a good step forward, a good thing done. I don't know if it's the moment of truth, but it's obviously an important match, with the objectives, as always, to play well and win.“Three points which would do good before the reception of the second in Ligue 1, AS Monaco.
Suffering from a hamstring injury, Pol Lirola is out of Lens
Two reduced numbers
And we will have to cope without three players accustomed to recent matches. Amine Harit is still recovering from his calf problem and will not be in the squad. Derek Cornelius is still injured in the ribs. Finally, Pol Lirola suffers from a hamstring injury. They join those who have been absent for a long time: Faris Moumbagna, Ruben Blanco and Valentin Carboni.
On the Lensois side, the absences will also be significant. The Polish Przemysław Frankowski returned injured from his selection's rally. He is very uncertain. The other right-backs, Jimmy Cabot and the French international Ruben Aguilarare forfeits. The central defense will be deprived of two potential starters, Jonathan Gradit et Abdukodir Khusanovwhich are suspended. Finally, in attack, Wesley Said is still injured, just like Martin Satriano.
This adds complexity to the pre-match of the two coaches. Roberto De Zerbi will always have to find the formula to play without Amine Harit in particular. Will Ismaël Koné be revived by the Italian technician?
