This Sunday at 8:45 p.m., AS Saint-Etienne hosts Olympique de Marseille as part of the 14th day of Ligue 1. Here is the probable composition of the Marseille team for this match.
Roberto De Zerbi and his typical team finally found?
The question is starting to arise in the world of Olympique de Marseille. The Italian coach seems reluctant to confirm it, but the fact that OM has lined up two identical compositions in a row for the first time this season, in Lens (3-1) then against Monaco (2-1), suggests that something is being put in place successfully. De Zerbi said: “I’m not always the one making the decisions. Take Ulisses Garcia for example, I don’t know if he’ll start against Saint-Étienne. It can happen that my choices are limited. Working with a core of nine key players, rather than a typical eleven, has its advantages. It allows for better mutual understanding and facilitates communication on the pitch, natural connections are created. Playing together can lead to great things. However, I try to involve the whole group, to make sure that all the players feel involved. Rongier hadn’t played much at the start of the season, but he was in the line-up against Lens and had an exceptional game. He’s the one who pushes me to make my choices! Those who play less must follow his example, whether it’s Cornelius, Koné, Merlin, Wahi or Brassier… If they show me that they are better than the starters, they can make me change my mind.” A tactical surprise from De Zerbi
There is a good chance that De Zerbi will continue with the same team, which would have been unthinkable a few weeks ago. The player choices are already surprising, with Luis Henrique starting at right piston, Garcia on the left flank and Maupay up front.
But it is especially at the tactical level that the surprise is present: a 5-3-2 system that is starting to prove itself and seems to suit OM’s characteristics better than the 4-4-2 system used at the start of the season. Key players Greenwood, Hojbjerg, Rabiot, Balerdi and Rulli should be present.
OM’s probable line-up
: Rulli – Henrique, Murillo, Balerdi, Kondogbia, Garcia – Rabiot, Rongier, Hojbjerg – Greenwood, Maupay
IN SUMMARY Roberto De Zerbi, the coach of Olympique de Marseille, has fielded the same eleven for the first time this season twice in a row in the matches against Lens and Monaco.
