France’s Ligue 1 will restart on Friday night, as sixth-place Marseille host ninth-place Strasbourg.
These clubs drew 1-1 in their reverse fixture in November. It was the third consecutive draw between the two clubs in all competitions.
The winter break in France came at the wrong time for Marseille. Olympique went unbeaten in six consecutive matches before the break, helping improve the club’s position in the standings.
#OMRCSA prep continues 💪 pic.twitter.com/XCqMDMLxD9— Olympique de Marseille 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 (@OM_English) January 9, 2024
#OMRCSA prep continues 💪 pic.twitter.com/XCqMDMLxD9
Marseille will start the weekend just six points off the top three in Ligue 1.
Strasbourg also finished the first half of the season in great form. They won each of their last three Ligue 1 games. Just five points separate Strasbourg from the top five.
Marseille will fancy their chances against Strasbourg. OM went unbeaten in their last 18 matches in all competitions against Strasbourg.
The reverse fixture between the clubs finished 1-1 after Marseille came from behind to earn a point.
Strasbourg took a sixth-minute lead thanks to an Emanuel Emegha goal. Marseille equalised in the 27th minute thanks to a goal from Jonathan Clauss.
OM have been excellent at home this season. They took 20 points from eight matches at the Stade Velodrome.
Marseille’s defence conceded just two goals and scored 14 times. The team won each of their last three home fixtures.
Strasbourg have struggled on the road. The team took a mere eight points from eight road games.
Just six goals were scored by Strasbourg away from home. It is the fourth-fewest goals in the league this term.
The team conceded 13 times to opponents in their eight road fixtures.
Marseille coach Gennaro Gattuso will be without several players due to their participation at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Seven players will be away at AFCON, including Amine Harit, Ismaila Sarr, and Pape Gueye.
In addition, forward Joaquin Correa will miss the match due to an ankle injury. Midfielder Valentin Rongier will miss the game following knee surgery.
Strasbourg manager Patrick Vieira will be without defender Saidou Sow, who is away at the AFCON tournament. Defender Thomas Delaine is a doubt following a knock.
Forward Lebo Mothiba will miss the match due to a knee injury. Midfielder Ismael Doukoure is a major doubt following an ankle injury.
The last three matches between Marseille and Strasbourg ended in draws. Friday’s game should once again finish in a score draw, as Marseille and Strasbourg once again finish in a 1-1 stalemate.