Ligue 1 (30th matchday). FC Lorient – Marseille, Saturday (5 pm)
FC Lorient will face Marseille with a weakened squad, particularly in defense. Talbi, who was injured and missed the Lyon match, is still unavailable. Le Bris will also be out for the rest of the season after his premature exit in the last game. Additionally, Kouassi is suspended due to accumulated warnings.
Katseris on the right and Yongwa on the left seem to be the only ones capable of replacing the full-backs. Adjei is expected to continue in the center of defense.
Captain Abergel’s return to the starting eleven is “premature,” according to Olivier Pantaloni. The 33-year-old midfielder, who returned earlier than expected, has not played for over a month and a half after an ankle injury. However, he will be on the bench and is expected to come on during the match against his former club. Yvon Mvogo will be the captain at kickoff.
An attacking force at OM
In Marseille, the defense is also a work in progress. Habib Beye is without Egan-Riley, Kondogbia, and Aguerd due to injuries, as well as Medina, who is suspended. The former Stade Rennais coach is likely to switch back to a back four, with Weah, Pavard, Balerdi, and Emerson.
OM’s offensive power, the second-highest in Ligue 1, will be in full force. Greenwood, Gouiri, Paixao, and Aubameyang are expected to start. Together, they have scored 60 goals this season, including 37 in Ligue 1.
Probable line-ups
LORIENT. Mvogo (capt.) – Meïté, Adjei, Faye – Katseris, Avom, Cadiou, Yongwa – Pagis, Makengo – Dieng.
Substitutes: Kamara, Leroy (g.) – Silva, Siba, Abergel, Karim, Semedo, Fadiga, Tosin, Soumano.
Coach: Olivier Pantaloni.
Absent: Talbi (calf), Le Bris (hamstring), Kouassi (suspended), Touré (excluded).
MARSEILLE. Rulli – Weah, Pavard, Balerdi, Emerson – Timber, Hojbjerg (capt.) – Greenwood, Gouiri, Paixao – Aubameyang.
Substitutes: De Lange (g.) – Nnadi, Abdelli, Vermeeren, Nadir, Traoré, Nwaneri, Lago.
Coach: Habib Beye
Absent: Egan-Riley, Kondogbia, Aguerd (injured), Medina (suspended).
