Crisis-hit Marseille to capitulate in Le Classique
Clashes in Le Classique - Marseille versus Paris Saint-Germain - normally take on the literal meaning of 'clash', and are often the most explosive fixtures in the Ligue 1 calendar. On Sunday evening, the two clubs both find themselves at relatively low points on the pitch in recent times, but off it, all the focus has been on OM. In the last seven days, supporters have attacked their own training ground, the board have begun the process of sacking Andre Villas-Boas after he stated his intention to resign as head coach in a press conference, and they're under a possible takeover bid to boot. Were it not for so many debilitating factors, the hosts would actually stand a decent chance against a mortal looking opposition. Read our preview here:
Got Milik?
Villas-Boas' decision came after the higher-ups at the ancient city opted to sign Glasgow Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham on loan for the remainder of the campaign, Not only was this expressly against the manager's wishes, but fans uncovered an interview where the 24 year-old stated his dream was to one day play for PSG, their hated rivals and opponents on Sunday. Worse still perhaps, he hasn't even trained ahead of the game, so has yet to even feature for the French giants. Elsewhere, technical director Nasser Larguet has been placed in interim charge whilst the ridiculously distracting saga rumbles on in the background. It's obviously unknown how much he'll opt to change things on the pitch, but he inherits a side that have been in pitiful form since the early days of December. Polish striker Arkadiusz Milik, on loan from Napoli, has made a scoring start to life on the south coast, despite not playing all season for his parent club after opting against renewing his contract. He'll likely be partnered by Darío Benedetto, who has largely toiled in front of goal in the white and light blue in 2020/2021, but could have a new lease of life next to an unselfish, skilled teammate.
Leandro on Paredes
Mauricio Pochettino could have as many as seven first team squad members out for Sunday, but will still be overwhelming favourites for the game. In a 4-4-2, Brazilian superstar Neymar nominally operates on the left wing, but will exert his considerable influence on all the attacking phases of play. Alongside him will be Leandro Paredes, who does all the 'dirty' jobs in midfield, which allows almost everyone else to join in overwhelming numbers when they break quickly. Now in a central two, the onus will be on him even more to be that glue to link defence and the forward line, and the threats Marseille have in their arsenal despite everything going on at present remain considerable. Speaking of the former, they are significantly weaker without Marquinhos, although the goals conceded column doesn't necessarily reflect that.
Villas-Boas constrictor
The shambles at Marseille could've been the basis for a film script, and there are parts that are yet to be 'written'. Nobody knows where the fallout will land, or how long the damage will last, and it is choking the life out of what had once looked like a promising season that might've led to another year in the Champions League at one stage; that they have two games in hand on most of their contemporaries doesn't feel like a bonus, and all of the drama comes at the worst possible time. Despite the number of players out for the visitors, PSG have all the necessary tools to humiliate Les Olympiens at the Stade Vélodrome, and it might actually be a blessing in disguise that fans cannot attend. Betfair have odds of 2.50 for an away win with both teams scoring.
