As the season unfolds, Clermont's situation grows increasingly dire, with the team struggling to recall their last victory.
This Monday at Stade Gabriel Montpied, Clermont Foot, entrenched in the relegation zone at 18th place, faces a revitalized Olympique Marseille, currently positioned at 9th in the Ligue 1 standings.
Their recent outing, a goalless draw against a top-tier team like Nice, though not enough to secure a win, showcased a semblance of hope.
🏃♂️ pic.twitter.com/3bS4l93j8Y— Clermont Foot 63 (@ClermontFoot) February 29, 2024
🏃♂️ pic.twitter.com/3bS4l93j8Y
Despite having more shots on target than Nice, Clermont's chronic issue of failing to score persisted, leaving them clinging to the solitary point as a faint beacon of survival hope.
Contrastingly, Marseille has found a new lease of life under their new coach, stringing together improved performances that culminated in a commanding 4-1 win over Montpellier.
Despite going a goal down early, the experience and finesse of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang shone through as he netted twice, overturning the deficit and leading his team to victory.
This win, coupled with the fact that Marseille has drawn nine times this season, signals a potential turning point, suggesting they may have finally found the formula to convert draws into wins.
Marseille's recent away games have trended towards being low-scoring affairs, with under 2.5 goals in their last three Ligue 1 matches.
On the other hand, Clermont is in a rough patch, having secured just three wins in their last 23 league matches, a statistic that underscores their battle against relegation.
The head-to-head record leans heavily in Marseille's favor, with three consecutive wins against Clermont in Ligue 1 encounters. This historical advantage gives Marseille an edge as they look to extend their positive run.
Team news adds to the narrative, with Clermont missing Alan Virginius through injury, while Marseille will be without Amir Murillo, Bilal Nadir, and Valentin Rongier, testing Jean-Louis Gasset's squad depth and strategy.
As both teams prepare for this crucial fixture, predictions favor Olympique Marseille to continue their ascent and secure another win against Clermont Foot, potentially compounding the hosts' relegation concerns.
This match represents not just a quest for points but a significant moment in both teams' seasons, with Marseille aiming to climb higher up the table and Clermont fighting for their Ligue 1 survival.