Match Previews

Nasri (k)(mid) remains doutful while Marseille will do without Rodriguez (r)(def), Zubar (sp)(def) and Ziani (sp)(mid)... Neither Akalé (mid) or Grandin (mid) are eligible... Mbami (sp)(mid) and Ayew (sp)(att) rested...  The improved form of Olympique Marseille continued on Sunday evening as they scored a comfortable two-nil victory over local rivals OGC Nice to move into a comfortable position in the centre of Ligue 1. The mid-table realm may not be a position l’OM are accustomed to however they have shown signs of improvement since Christmas and have been massively strengthen with the return of top scorer Mamadou Niang from Ghana. Niang announced his return to the domestic scene with a goal at the weekend although he may be rested after a gruelling few weeks; with several other options missing this seems increasingly unlikely. Djibril Cissé’s form has certainly improved in recent weeks and he scored another goal on Sunday. Youngster Elliot Grandin, who is a recent addition to the squad from SM Caen, is ineligible to play along with Akalé, another new signing. Key midfielder Samir Nasri remains doubtful after missing the short trip to Nice in midweek while Karim Ziani will certainly be missing. Nasri seems more and more likely to start. Mathieu Valbeauna has been in excellent form of late and should start out wide while André Ayew should be back from international duty. Ayew had an excellent Cup of Nations but will face a battle for first team football; he is rested this midweek. Either Cana or Cheyrou could be rested so that Oruma can start in the middle while Mbami will likely be unavailable as he only completed his international duty on Sunday. Defensively Marseille have few options and will likely start with the same back four that completed the weekend’s match. This means Argentine Krupoviesa will drop out and allow Taye Taiwo, who is a potent attacking weapon if a little unpredictable defensively, to start. Mandanda should start in goal although Carrasso will be keen for some game time.