The Gym is traveling to the Vélodrome tonight (9 PM) for the last big derby of the season. With two games left, the Eaglets can still aim for second place.
The Opponent
Defeated in the first leg (3-2), the Provençals have mixed memories of their trip to the Azurean capital: “I think we weren’t that pathetic,” believes midfielder William Vainqueur. “We are determined to get our revenge and have a big game against a very strong team in this championship.” For Marseille’s coach, Rudy Garcia, “regional supremacy doesn’t matter. If others are doing well, good for them. Nice is having an exceptional season. Hats off to them.”
Inconsistent since the start of the season, the Olympians seem to have found their cruise rhythm in the final sprint, remaining unbeaten for the last 8 matches (4 wins, 4 draws). Two points behind Bordeaux in 5th, who have played an extra game, OM positions itself as a serious candidate for Europe. “We still have our fate in our hands. It’s all up to us,” comments Rudy Garcia, who can notably rely on a Florian Thauvin in great form.
The Absentees
Marseille has an almost complete squad. Only Abou Diaby is missing.
Injured in the thigh in Toulouse on April 23, Maxime Le Marchand is not part of the squad, nor are the long-term absentees Alassane Pléa and Wylan Cyprien.
The Marseille Squad
Goalkeepers: Samba, Pelé
Defenders: Bedimo, Doria, Evra, Fanni, Hubocan, Rolando, Sakai
Midfielders: M. Lopez, M. Sanson, Vainqueur, Zambo Anguissa
Forwards: Cabella, Gomis, N’Jie, Payet, B. Sarr, Thauvin
The Nice Squad
Goalkeepers: Cardinale, Benitez
Defenders: Baysse, Burner, Dante, Dalbert, Ricardo, Sarr, Souquet
Midfielders: Belhanda, Eysseric, Koziello, Marcel, Obbadi, Seri, Walter
Forwards: Balotelli, Donis, Le Bihan, Srarfi
The Referee
Antony Gautier has been appointed to officiate the derby on Sunday (9 PM). It’s a common occurrence for this 39-year-old referee from the Northern League of Pas de Calais. This will indeed be the fourth match between Marseille and Nice in his career. The record so far? Three victories for Nice (0-1 at the Vélodrome in November 2015, 2-1 in January 2015, and 1-0 in October 2013 at the Allianz Riviera) despite the expulsion of Kévin Gomis two years ago against Bielsa’s OM.
This season, Antony Gautier refereed the Gym during their victories against Rennes (1-0) in August and at Nancy (0-1) in September.
