om | OM-Toulouse: undefeated for 16 games against Téfécé, the Olympians are aiming for a third success in a row in Ligue 1, info before the match
Ligue 1, season 2. 46 days after the success in the Principality against AS Monaco (2-3) thanks to a goal from Sead Kolasinac at the last second, OM return to competition tonight (9 p.m.) in a full Vélodrome against Toulouse, current 12th in the championship with 16 points, during the 16th day of Ligue 1. A new recovery and OM must fulfill their objectives: finish on the podium and go as far as possible in the French Cup.
The pass of three in the league?
If the month of November had suffered painfully for OM with a last-minute elimination from all European competition against Tottenham at the Vélodrome (1-2) on the last day of the group stage, the Olympians had resumed later, winners twice in Ligue 1, against Lyon (1-0) boulevard Michelet then 2-3 on the Rock. OM must now follow up with a third victory in a row to stay in contact with Rennes (3rd) or even overtake the Bretons tonight in the event of a misstep by Steve Mandanda’s teammates in Reims (7 p.m.).
OM invincible against Téfécé in the last 16 Ligue 1 matches
The Marseille club have not lost any of their last 16 matches against Toulouse in Ligue 1 (10 wins and 6 draws). This is the club’s best current series against a current elite team. The Olympians even remain on 6 wins in a row against Téfécé in the elite.
An intense fight for European places
Reading the rankings this Thursday morning, Igor Tudor and his players must say to themselves that a victory is essential. Because, if the upcoming calendar looks rather affordable (Toulouse tonight at home then trip to Montpellier and Troyes before the reception of Lorient), the fight is intense for European places. Lens is firmly in the dolphin seat, with a 6-point lead over OM. Behind, only 3 units separate Lorient (7th, 28 points) from Rennes (3rd, 31 points). Five formations are therefore held in a pocket handkerchief. Lens, Rennes and OM have one match less than Monaco and Lille, who won yesterday, and can therefore take a little lead tonight awaiting the rest.
The Velodrome still sold out
After a month and a half of abstinence, the faithful of the Vélodrome will return this evening to their favorite venue. 63,000 supporters are expected for the resumption of the OM championship. The Boulevard Michelet enclosure will be sold out for the 11th time this season (counting OM-Milan in a friendly and omitting OM-Sporting behind closed doors). It’s up to the Olympians to offer a nice Christmas present to their supporters…
Guendouzi package, Payet holder, Bailly on the bench
Yesterday, Igor Tudor admitted three things to the media about the composition of his squad for the meeting against Toulouse, tonight at 9 p.m. Guendouzi will not feature due to an ankle injury. Quite the opposite of Jordan Vérétout, also vice-world champion and returned to training only on Monday, who will be present on the match sheet, but who is not guaranteed to start on the lawn.
Good news for Eric Bailly, bothered by his thigh since the start of the season: he will be on the bench. Dimitri Payet will be the holder, captain’s armband around his biceps.
OM’s probable starting XI: Lopez – Mbemba, Gigot, Balerdi – Clauss, Rongier, Gueye, Tavares – Ünder or Sanchez, Payet (cap.) – Dieng or Sanchez.
300 violets in yard
Encouraged by the holiday season and the end of the scarcity in Ligue 1, a small contingent of ultras from Téfécé will fill the Vél ‘this evening. 300 Toulouse worshipers are expected, while the Bouches-du-Rhône police headquarters has banned access to Boulevard Michelet “to anyone claiming the quality of supporting the TFC”outside the official trip.
Cascade of injuries to Téfécé
The Violets travel to Provence without taking a busy infirmary with them. The Garonne staff will have to do without four important elements to challenge OM: right-back Mikkel Desler, central defender Kévin Keben, midfielder Denis Genreau and English striker Rhys Healey, victim of a ruptured cruciate ligaments, the 21st of August.
Aboukhlal heckled
Semi-finalist of the World Cup with Morocco, Zakaria Aboukhlal was accused by the Achkayen media “apology for Salafism” and of “religious proselytism” within the Atlas Lions. The Moroccan federation and Téfécé have given their support to the 22-year-old striker, who is available for the trip to Marseille, but is not expected to start the match.