Ligue 1 special: Olympique de Marseille VS Stade Rennais: Player Watch
Stade Velodrome will see Didier Deschamps’ Marseille host Stade Rennais on September 10, 2011 in a Ligue 1 encounter.
Both sides have shown their defensive frailties since the beginning of the new campaign. Although, the defensive woes should concern both teams’ coaches, the fans can be assured of a goal fest every time one of these two sides play.
So far, Marseille have scored six and conceded seven goals in the league while Stade Rennais have scored nine and conceded eight goals.
Droit Au But (straight to the goal) is the motto of Olympique de Marseille and it seems the players have taken to the message and are looking to play all out attacking football which has its weaknesses aswell.
In Week 4 of the 2011/2012 Ligue 1 season, Marseille lost 3-2 against reigning champions LOSC Lille while Stade Rennais defeated Caen 3-2 after initially leading the game 3-0 at half time.
Bettor.com takes a look at the players of both sides who could play a major role for their respective sides in an encounter that many expect to be an entertaining one.
Marseille
Loic Remy
The Frenchman has been in fine form for the Rhone giants despite Marseille’s failure to win a single league game so far this season. The 24-year-old former Nice striker has so far scored two goals in four Ligue 1 games.
Adaptable enough to play on both flanks, the youngster has proven indispensable to Marseille since arriving at the Stade Velodrome last summer. With the club inclined towards playing an attacking brand of football this season, Remy will have a lot of chances
to add to his current goal tally and would be looking for support from the midfield.
Mathieu Valbuena
Le Petit velo has been one of Marseille’s most productive players this season. Apart from scoring two goals, Valbuena has provided three assists so far. A great outing against Rennais would be crucial to Marseille’s chances of recording their first win of
the season.
Furthermore, a lot will depend on Valbuena as Lucho Gonzalez might not be available to assist the Frenchman. Gonzalez is likely to be rested after the Argentine played for the South American giants in their tour of India and Bangladesh.
Stade Rennais
Yann M’Vila
Enough can’t be said about Yann M’Vila. The young defensive midfielder is one of the most wanted French players in Europe and has become an integral member of the France national side. Les Bleus coach Laurent Blanc has made him a regular starter for the
national side and his performances for Stade Rennais have further added weight to his credentials.
Being blessed with pace and a great physique, the youngster has the ability to contain the threat of the opposing side’s midfield. The 21-year-old has so far played three out of Rennais’ four games of the new campaign and his excellent defensive abilities
will come into play in the game against Marseille.
Jonathan Pitroipa
The Burkina Faso international is proving to be one of the best signings of the season following his switch to Ligue 1 football from Bundesliga side HSV Hamburg. The 25 year-old has so far scored one goal in 2 games for the Bretons but has proven himself
to be quite a handful for opposing defenders who find it hard to contain him. The tricky winger will definitely be looking to test the skills of Marseille defence.