De Zerbi Makes Bold Decisions for Marseille Clash Against Nantes
Olympique de Marseille is set to face FC Nantes today in a crucial Ligue 1 match. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00. The stakes are high, as Marseille has the opportunity to leverage the recent results of rival teams.
Marseille’s Position and Needs
Currently, Lille suffered a defeat to Rennes, and Lyon secured a win. A victory today could give Marseille a three-point lead over Lille and a five-point buffer over Rennes and Lyon. This match is pivotal for their title aspirations, especially after Lens, the autumn champion, extended their lead to eight points.
De Zerbi’s Strategies
Roberto De Zerbi understands the significance of today’s match. Marseille faces Nantes, who are positioned second-to-last in the league. While they appear to be ideal opponents on paper, De Zerbi knows that nothing is guaranteed in football.
Team Updates and Injuries
Marseille’s squad is nearly complete, with only two absentees for today’s match. Nayef Aguerd is currently competing in the African Cup of Nations (CAN) with Morocco. Leonardo Balerdi will also miss the match due to illness, but it’s not a serious injury. De Zerbi opted to rest him, considering the upcoming Trophée des Champions against PSG.
In contrast, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is back in the team following his participation in the CAN, adding depth to the attacking lineup.
Squad Selection
Here’s the lineup for today’s match:
- Goalkeepers: de Lange, Rulli, Vermot
- Defenders: Egan-Riley, Medina, Murillo, Emerson Palmieri, Pavard, Weah
- Midfielders: Bakola, Gomes, Hojbjerg, Kondogbia, Nadir, O’Riley, Vermeeren
- Forwards: Aubameyang, Gouiri, Greenwood, Paixão, Traoré, Vaz
With a strong lineup and a must-win situation, Marseille aims to secure three points today against Nantes. The outcome could fundamentally influence their title chase and morale for upcoming fixtures.
