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OM, which has won only one of its last eight matches in all competitions, can regain a place on the podium if they win tonight (8:45 p.m.) in Clermont
By P.-AT, J.-CL and MA
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Only one success in the last eight matches in all competitions, OM do not lose much – only two defeats in Ligue 1 against Lens (2-3) and Lille (2-0) – but no longer advance. The Olympians remain on three draws against high-level teams (0-0 against Lazio and PSG, 1-1 against Nice). But, it is time to move up a gear and find the path to victory tonight (8:45 p.m.) against the promoted Clermont, 14th in Ligue 1.
OM can regain the podium
Fourth this Sunday morning, Jorge Sampaoli’s squad can climb on the podium if they succeed tonight against Clermont. The Olympiens have 19 points, 2 less than Lens (2nd), beaten 2-1 by Lyon last night. In case of victory, OM would therefore pass in front of the Sang et Or and could end up second depending on the result of Nice (3rd), 20 units, in Angers (13h).
The Olympians have not opened the scoring since OM-Rennes, September 19
The victory flees OM, who have won only one of their last eight matches, against Lorient. OM, who drew in Angers, Troyes against Nice and ahead of PSG, scored six points in five matches. Since their victory against Rennes (2-0) at the Vélodrome on September 19, OM have never opened the scoring again. And after its very convincing success in Monaco, on September 12 (0-2) with the outbreak of Dieng, OM has not won on the road, neither in the league, nor in the Europa League.
First confrontation in Ligue 1
Clermont is living his first season in the elite of French football. The two teams will therefore face each other this evening for the first time in Ligue 1. Even in Ligue 2, the two teams have not crossed paths. The only official meeting between the two clubs therefore took place on October 26, 2016, as part of the League Cup.
Payet towards a record?
Dimitri Payet could, this evening against Clermont, score against a 35th different team in Ligue 1, a record among the current elite players. In the event of a goal against the Auvergnats, he will have scored against each of the 20 Ligue 1 teams in 2021-22.
Gastien, from father to son
In Clermont, a Gastien can hide another. Former OM player (1988-89), Pascal (57), the father, is the coach of the promoted. Appointed in 2017 to succeed Corinne Deacon, he managed to hoist the Auvergne club into elite for the first time in its history. Johan (33), his son, has never played for OM. But he went through Niort (under the orders of his father), Dijon and Brest before joining Clermont in the summer of 2018. Expelled to Nantes last weekend, he is suspended this evening.
To the good memories of Khaoui
Free from any contract last summer after joining OM in 2016 (he had been loaned to Troyes and Caen), Saïf Khaoui (26) signed to CF63 (6 appearances including 1 tenure). The Tunisian international will find some former partners.
Premiere in prime time
For the first time, Clermont will play on Sunday evening in prime time. “It doesn’t change the way we approach the game, but we’re proud. There aren’t many teams that have happened in their first season in L 1. It’s not a culmination but a reward for our game and the whole club “, estimates Pascal Gastien.
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