OM-ASSE: Continue to climb After their UEFA Cup victory in Moscow, OM return to Ligue 1 with another big match, this time against Saint-Etienne. It’s a crucial match against a direct opponent towards the top of the table. ASSE-OM Ligue 1, Round 12 Sunday October 23 – 21:00 - Stade Geoffroy-Guichard Live on Canal+ and Live text updates on OM.net Replay from midnight on OMtv Metz, Nice and Paris in Ligue 1, Moscow in the UEFA Cup. This is the list of last clubs to have fallen at the hands of Marseille. Since September 21 and the defeat at Toulouse, no-one has beaten OM. A run of results that Jean Fernandez’s men are keen to continue. “We’ve restored some credibility because not everyone can beat Paris and Moscow in the space of a few days,” said Jean Fernandez. “Without talent it just isn’t possible. We can feel a certain defensive solidity which bodes well for the rest of the championship.” With the success against PSG the Marseille players have also found some style. With 30 shots against PSG and two goals against Moscow, Fabien Barthez’s teammates markedly improved the quality of their play. «Little by little the understanding between the players is emerging,” confirmed OM’s coach. “We’re in the process of finding the right balance between defence and attack and we can construct some impressive football. But we have to stay humble and have respect for our opponents. We mustn’t get ahead of ourselves because it can cost you dearly. We’ll continue to work hard because there’s still a fair way to go and we’re capable of improving even more.” OM are playing better and it shows. Two reasons can explain why. The first, quite simply, is that Olympique de Marseille has benefited from the time to work, to prepare, to rediscover its marks, getting slowly but surely stronger. Secondly, from playing against top opposition, the Olympians have improved as a team: less turnovers, less haste when the pressure is on and, above all, a ruthless efficiency in front of goal that is showing up those teams that used to beat OM at the Vélodrome by scoring with their only chance of the match. We can also add to that the return to competition of Fabien Barthez, who showed against Paris and in saving a penalty against Moscow that he is in fine form and already back to his best. He has also benefited from time to prepare and recharge the batteries. The coach gave him complete freedome to prepare for D-Day as he saw fit. “We need a very good ‘keeper to back-up the defence.We already had a very good ‘keeper in Cédric Carrasso, but I didn’t hesitate in bringing Fabien straight back because he’s an excellent ‘keeper – the best in France and one of the best in the world. We you see him training every day, you tell yourself that he will be back at the top in no time.” Against Saint-Etienne there is plenty at stake as both sides are equal on points (17) on the ladder. Victory will hence allow them to put three points between themselves and a direct opponent in the race for the top places. All the more important because a week later Marseille will host Lille while the ASSE travel to Strasbourg. Referee: Mr. Ledentu Suspended OM: - Suspended ASSE: - One card from suspension: Ferreira, Lamouchi Opponents Players to watch: Piquionne, Feindouno Absent: Mendy League position: 5th with 17 pts Last match: Nantes 1-1 ASSE ------------------BARTHEZ-------------------- FERREIRA - ANDRE LUIS - CANA - CESAR - TAIWO -----ORUMA - LAMOUCHI - BEYE - RIBERY------- -------------------NIANG---------------------- Substitutes: Carrasso, Koke (or Mendoza), Delfim (or Nakata), Gimenez, Méité Absent: Nasri (international duty), Déhu, M'Bolhi, L.N'Diaye, Cantareil, Quesnel
ASSE-OM : The green's group Elie Baup showed the 17 green players from Saint Etienne planed for the OM’s reception this Sunday. Pascal Feindouno is back after an injury, the ex Olympian Amine Sakho is forfeited, just as Frederic Mendy. GOALKEEPERS : Janot, Viviani DEFENDERS : Diawara, Ilunga, Hognon, Yahia, Camara, Perquis MIDFIELDERS : Hellebuyck, Sablé, Zokora, Perrin, Tiéné ATTACKERS : Mazure, Piquionne, Feindouno, Gomis
