Match Previews

Bonnart (r)(def) out for the season... Koné (r)(att) will feature... Niang (k)(att)plays... Marseille appear to be sparking into good form... Success in their vital Ligue 1 clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday night was clearly relished by the Olympique de Marseille players, who celebrated like they had just won the title in the tunnel afterwards. Erik Gerets’ men have drawn themselves right back into the Ligue 1 title race and can justly be pleased with their achievements, however, they also want to be seen to be taking the UEFA Cup seriously and face an awkward job closing out their match against Ajax on Wednesday evening after conceding an away goal in the first leg. Marseille should be out of sight in this encounter but they have allowed their opponents a glimmer of hope that they are sure to take hope from. Still, OM tend to be stronger on the road than they are at home as they enjoy having space to break into because their forwards are quick and skilful. Mamadou Niang is likely to lead their offence in midweek as he spent a fair portion of Sunday’s game on the bench and Brandao isn’t available. An injury means that Niang may not be risked, although he could play if pushed - indeed, he is in the squad.  He, like Sylvain Wiltord, has already played in Europe already this season. Hatem Ben Arfa, hero of Marseille’s win over fellow Dutch outfit Twente, did not participate at the weekend either and is likely to start. Meanwhile, Karim Ziani, who was banned at the weekend, could complete and all-changed front three. Bakari Koné appears very doubtful to feature after taking a heavy ankle knock but he, along with Laurent Bonnart, who is out for the season, is OM’s only serious injury doubt. Koné was named in the squad on Tuesday evening.  M’Bami and Kaboré could both come in to freshen up the midfield as Zenden, who excelled at the weekend, is unlikely to be able to play such an important game so quickly after. Mears will continue at right-back while Rodriguez could come in at centre-back. Zubar returns after being banned for the first leg.