Soccer. Ligue 1: bounce back from the Nîmes nightmare, pick up the rankings … what you need to know before Marseille

The context

Well placed and virtually leaders a month ago, the Phocéens are today in 6th place (with 2 games less), 8 points from the podium.

Against Lens, OM will therefore play a very important game for the rest of their season. A poor performance already annihilating any hope of a podium.

During the press point, André Villas-Boas insisted on the state of mind of his training: “We all looked at each other in the mirror (after the match against Nîmes). We will see if the message got through, he There was a lot of discussion. We hope it will have a positive impact on the minds and state of mind of the players. ” A reaction is therefore expected against the Artesians, who are also in bad shape. The Sang et Or (10th) remain on three poor performances: a draw against Nantes (1-1) and two defeats against Lyon (2-3) and Strasbourg (0-1).

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The teams

For this meeting, Villas-Boas will have to compose without Boubacar Kamara or Jordan Amavi. The first is suffering from a muscle tear and the second is still recovering. The coach will also be without Alvaro, suspended, and winter rookie Pol Lirola (unqualified). As for Steve Mandanda (butt), the goalkeeper is finally in the group and should be started. Finally, Henrique (covid) will return to the group. Lensois side, Yannick Cahuzac (suspended), Cheick Traoré, Loic Badé and Corentin Jean are unavailable.

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The man to watch: Leonardo Balerdi

Little used by André Villas-Boas this season, the Argentine defender will start tonight alongside Duje Caleta-Car, replacing Alvaro Gonzalez, suspended for an accumulation of cards.

“I feel ready to take over,” said the main interested party at a press conference Monday, he who admits “to be comfortable in the game but having to progress on concentration and simplicity.” The Portuguese technician is regularly very positive towards him despite a rather limited use: “Unfortunately for him, the match against Porto (0-2, Balerdi causes a penalty and is sent off) was an important moment and it was a big failure (…) We talk a lot with Leo, he continues to work, we believe in him. We’ll see how he reacts. It’s important for him to have a good game against Lens. “

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The number: 0

Marseille is undefeated in the last 10 receptions of a promoted to Ligue 1 (7 defeats, 3 draws), its last defeat dating back to September 27, 2015 against Angers (1-2).

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