Olympique de Marseille (3-4-3)
Coach: Roberto De Zerbi
Marseille have named a strong XI at the Stade Vélodrome, lining up in a 3-4-3 with several key starters returning to the side. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leads the attack alongside Mason Greenwood and Igor Paixão in the front three.
Starting XI:
Rulli – Egan-Riley, Pavard, Medina – Weah, Højbjerg, Vermeeren, Emerson – Greenwood, Aubameyang, Paixão
⚽ Key notes for OM:
- Goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli starts between the sticks.
- The back five includes Timothy Weah and Emerson Palmieri as wide wing-backs.
- The midfield pair of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Arthur Vermeeren provides balance.
- Aubameyang is confirmed as part of the attack after his return from the Africa Cup of Nations squad.
FC Nantes (3-5-2)
Coach: Ahmed Kantari
Nantes line up with a traditional 3-5-2 formation, aiming to press Marseille through midfield strength and direct forward play. Youssef El-Arabi and Matthis Abline lead the line in attack.
Starting XI:
Lopes – Amian, Tati, Cozza – Centonze, Mwanga, Coquelin, Tabibou, Machado – El-Arabi, Abline
🔎 Key notes for Nantes:
- Anthony Lopes starts as captain and goalkeeper.
- Their midfield five features Francis Coquelin and Junior Mwanga anchoring the central zones.
- Nantes are set up to play with width from their wing-midfielders while offering direct support to the two forwards.
⚔️ Tactical Setup and Implications
Marseille’s Approach
Marseille are deploying a 3-4-3 system that favours wide attacking play and high pressing. With Aubameyang central and Greenwood and Paixão wide, De Zerbi’s side looks to create early pressure and quick transitions through midfield. The return of Hamed Junior Traoré, starting in the offensive support role for OM, adds extra dynamism to the attack, a tactical tweak noted by L’Équipe.
Nantes’ Strategy
Nantes’ 3-5-2 formation is designed for solidity in transition and compact midfield control. With five players across the middle — including Coquelin and Mwanga — they will aim to disrupt Marseille’s tempo and hit on the break through El-Arabi and Abline.
📍 Match Context
This Ligue 1 fixture is part of Matchday 17 of the French top flight. Marseille are looking to stay towards the top of the table and maintain their podium challenge. Nantes, positioned lower in the standings, are aiming for valuable points to improve their mid-table status and build consistency.
Both teams have been managing injuries and absentees, particularly due to player involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, but today’s lineups represent strong competitive choices from both managers.
📌 Summary of Starting Lineups
Marseille (3-4-3):
Rulli; Egan-Riley, Pavard, Medina; Weah, Højbjerg, Vermeeren, Emerson; Greenwood, Aubameyang, Paixão. Foot Mercato
Nantes (3-5-2):
Lopes; Amian, Tati, Cozza; Centonze, Mwanga, Coquelin, Tabibou, Machado; El-Arabi, Abline. Foot Mercato
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