Lineups, issues, history of confrontations, discover the essential information you need to know a few hours before the match RC Lens – OM on behalf of the 12th day of Ligue 1.
Marseille, the time to pass the second?
In ambush, just three points from the podium, theThe RC Lens nevertheless gives the feeling of purring over this first third of the season. Among the worst attacks in Ligue 1 (15th, Editor's note), Will Still's squad has multiplied the draws (Monaco, Lyon, Rennes, Nice, Strasbourg), in addition to the painful defeat in the derby against Lille (0 -2) and the setback at the Parc des Princes (1-0). Enough to start establishing a glass ceiling against teams fighting for the top of the table? The Marseille reception risks serving as a revealer. For better or for worse.
Frankowski present?
With the suspensions of Jonathan Gradit and Abdukodir Khusanov, the RC Lens coach could be tempted to switch to a four-man defense, especially if he believes Malang Sarr still too tight for this kind of match. In the right corridor, Przemyslaw Frankowski returned reduced selection. In terms of midfield, the Thomasson-Diouf-El Aynaoui trio could be renewed after having made a rather good impression against Nantes. If this were the case, there would only be two or three places in front, depending on the system chosen. No doubt enough to condition the presence ofAnas Zaroury at kickoff.
Will Still aware of the challenge
“They have won 7 of their last 8 away matches and are scoring a lot of goals. On the outside they are very solid. We will have to be excellent, try to put them in difficulty while respecting their state of form. Their implementation is tactically very clean and extremely precise, analyzes the Lensois coach. It will be a real test, a challenge on the physical, technical and tactical levels. Outside, they are formidable. »
History: a hotly contested duel
In 100 matches, only one victory separates the two teams, to the advantage of OM. Indeed, the Phocéens have 40 victories against 39 for the Lensois (21 draws). RCL have won each of their last 2 home games against Marseille in Ligue 1 (2-1 in May 2023, 1-0 in November 2023), after not having won any of the previous 4 (1 draw, 3 defeats). The Sang et Or could string together 3 successes against OM for the 3rd time in their history in the elite, after 1953-1963 (7) and 1977-1986 (6). Note that the last confrontation turned in favor of Marseille, despite an equalizer at the start of the last quarter of an hour from Wesley Saïd. Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal five minutes from the end of regulation time.
The last five confrontations
L1 – 28/04/24 : Marseille – Lens: 2-1 (Saïd)
L1 – 12/11/23 : Lens – Marseille: 1-0 (Gradit)
L1 – 06/05/23 : Lens – Marseille : 2-1 (Fofana, Pende)
L1 – 22/10/22 : Marseille – Lens : 0-1 (Pereira Da Costa)
L1 – 22/01/22 : Lens – Marseille : 0-2
RC LENS – OM
12th day of Ligue 1
Saturday November 23, 5 p.m.
Stae Bollaert-Delelis, Lens
Photo credits: Anthony Dibon/Icon Sport
