Posted the : February 7, 2021
Through : garyom29
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On this Sunday, February 7, Olympique de Marseille receives Paris Saint-Germain. Remaining on five unsuccessful matches, how will OM approach Classico against the Parisian enemy? Are the incidents of last Saturday still trotting in the minds of the players? In any case, it will be necessary to surpass oneself not to make an appearance during this #OMPSG.
A sad period for Olympique de Marseille
In two months OM has gone from potentially leading the championship to fighting for the Europa League. This is the sad observation that we can draw up since 2021. A single victory against Montpellier, two draws against Dijon and Lens, and setbacks against Nîmes and Lens (late match). These poor results have pushed André Villas-Boas resigned and then was fired by the club. It is Nasser Larguet who takes the interim until a possible arrival of a future coach.
In the last match in Lens (final score 2-2), the Phocéens showed a convincing face against the Sang et Or in the first period. The second half was more difficult with players affected both physically and mentally. To bring calm around the Commandery, Olympique de Marseille must react to the Parisian ogre.
The big absentees of this #OMPSG
Since last December, Jordan Amavi is unavailable, and may be unavailable for quite some time. Present at a press conference, Friday, Nasser Larguet did not specify other significant absentees. The same day, Florian Thauvin, Arkadiuz Milik, Alvaro, Yū to Nagatomo and Darío Benedetto were absent from training. It will therefore be a real headache for the interim coach to compose his starting XI.
However, he may benefit from the return of Pope Gueye, Leonardo Balerdi , Michael Cuisance and Saîf-Eddine Khaoui, all four suspended Wednesday against Lens. Valentin Rongier would be back, he participated in training 48 hours before the match. Franco tongya, also. Regarding Ntcham, it is not known if he will be available for one of the most important games of the season.
???? As recently announced, Arkadiusz Milik is well fixed for #OMPSG tomorrow evening. (@RMCsport) https://t.co/awoRGOFEwx
– Olympian people (@olympian people) February 6, 2021
The keys to the match
Certainly, Paris Saint-Germain is the big favorite this Sunday night, but OM could try to get a result at home. They did it, last September by taking the three points at the Park (1-0 goal Thauvin). PSG are not unbeatable and the promoted Lorient has proven it again recently. This is why there will be something to try to win this match. Defensively, Parisian laxity would leave room for the Marseillais to take advantage of it. Every mistake could lead to danger. Presumably without Keylor Navas, PSG is weakened in the defensive sector. It is offensively where Paris can impress with the Fantastic Four that should be lined up Say Maria, Mbappé, Icardi and Neymar. This is why vigilance is the application will be welcome to Alvaro and his in the anchor of the Vélodrome.
Álvaro-Neymar, a conflict that may resurface?
When the Olympians won at the Parc in September, Neymar accused Alvaro racist remarks. Accusations wrongly, since no evidence has justified such behavior. For weeks, the Spaniard was disturbed by this affair, until receiving death threats. The two players will meet all evening on the field. The conflict will emerge it is sure, faults of anti-play, provocations. Neymar will do everything to annoy the Marseille defender and get out of the match. He will therefore have to be smarter so as not to fall into the trap set by the Brazilian. Still weakened, Alvaro will not play PSG with great pleasure in any case.
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The probable compositions:
Olympic Marseille : Mandanda (C) – Lirola, Alvaro, Daddy-Emperor, Sakai – Thauvin, Chamber, Gueye, Payet– Belong (or Blessed), Germain.
Paris Saint Germain : Rico – Florenzi, Marquinhos (C), Kimpembe, Kurzawa – Verratti, Walls – Say Maria, Neymar, Mbappé – Icardi.
If Olympique de Marseille want to finish the season well, a success would be welcome. It will not be simple due to the psychological context and on the ground, they will have to get their guts out to take at least one point. Offensive and defensive application will be the keyword of the match. The absence of the public will obviously have its consequences, but with the current performances, is it a good thing? Answer this Sunday evening at 11 p.m.!
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