Seventh-placed Marseille aim to extend their unbeaten league run to eight games (W4, D3). With just five points separating the two teams, a victory for Marseille would bolster their pursuit of finishing in the top five for an eighth consecutive season.Before this matchday, Les Marseilles were one of only two Ligue 1 sides with an unbeaten home record this season (W6, D3), and they will be confident in extending it to ten matches. Their strong home performances have been attributed to a solid defence, conceding only three goals in nine home games. They have conceded more than one goal at home in just one league game since late March last year (W9, D4).However, Marseille’s defence will face a tough test against Monaco’s attacking prowess, as Monaco has scored twice in each of their last three away league games and ranks second only to PSG in terms of goals scored away from home this season. The Red and Whites have won their last two away matches 2-1 and aim for their first three consecutive away victories since October 2022.JOUR DE CHOC AU VÉLODROME 🌋💙 O. DE MARSEILLE ⚡️ AS MONACO 🇲🇨 pic.twitter.com/hN16jtcZQO— Actu Ligue 1 (@ActuL1_) January 27, 2024 Monaco enjoyed success in trips to Marseille in recent seasons, suffering only one defeat in their last eight encounters (W3, D4). Therefore, their coach Adi Hutter may view this venue as an ideal opportunity to reignite his team’s form, especially since they were leading the table in late October but now find themselves ten points behind the summit after three losses in their last six matches (W3).Folarin Balogun, who suffered a shoulder injury last week, will not be available for the match. Returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, Mohammed Salisu will be part of the squad.Four AS Monaco players are still at the AFCON: Mohamed Camara (Mali), Wilfried Singo (Ivory Coast), Krepin Diatta, and Ismail Jakobs (Senegal). The fifth, Mohammed Salisu (Ghana), returned to the Rocher on Friday and will be in the squad, as Hutter, announced on Friday. Eliesse Ben Seghir, who has extended his contract until 2027, will also make his return. Takumi Minamino is still at the Asia Cup. Another last-minute absence concerns American Folarin Balogun, who suffered a shoulder injury in Les Monegasques’ Coupe de France win over Rodez last week (3-1). His absence will settle the question of offensive animation. ##NAJAVA_MECA_7828825##Hutter is expected to opt for a trio of Golovin-Ben Yedder-Akliouche. The major question revolves around Guillermo Maripan, who lost much of his credit, especially during the defeat against Reims (1-3, January 13). If Hutter decides to leave him on the bench and play Denis Zakaria in central defence, who will partner with Fofana in midfield in the absence of Camara? Edan Diop had played this role against Rodez but did not impress, being substituted at halftime. The hypothesis of seeing Maripan back in defence and Zakaria in midfield could thus prevail.Meanwhile, the hosts added French U21 international left-back Quentin Merlin on Friday. The talented defender arrived for around $13 million from Nantes and will be available for selection should coach Gennaro Gattuso decide to play him in front of the home crowd tonight.LIGUE 1 – MATCHDAY 19Friday Olympique Lyonnais – Stade Rennais 2-3 (0-3)/Henrique 57, Lacazette 78 – Terrier 22, 41, Doue 36/Saturday19.00: (1.42) Nice (4.30) Metz (8.50)23.00: (2.45) Olympique Marseille (3.40) Monaco (2.85)Sunday 15.00: (3.90) Montpellier (3.50) Lille (2.05)17.00: (2.85) Clermont (3.10) Strasbourg (2.65)17.00: (3.00) Lorient (3.15) Le Havre (2.65)17.00: (1.83) Reims (3.50) Nantes (4.50)19.05: (3.80) Toulouse (3.50) Lens (2.10)22.45: (1.42) PSG (4.60) Brest (7.50)***odds are subject to change
