26 August 2021, 19:53 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
French Ligue 1 fixture, Olympique de Marseille vs AS Saint-Etienne kicks off at 20:00 (GMT+1) on Saturday, August 28 at the Stade Vélodrome.
Preview Olympique Marseille Ligue 1, Aug 28, 2021
Preview The game between Olympique de Marseille and OGC Nice was suspended after fans invaded the pitch following a reaction from Dimitri Payet. The Marseille forward was struck with an empty bottle before throwing it back in the perceived direction in retaliation. The situation escalated quickly into chaos as both teams engaged in a free-for-all fight with fans from both sides. The game was subsequently abandoned at 1-0 with Nice in the lead. Possible point deductions will be on the table with suspensions not ruled out for several players after the investigations are complete. OM's fitness coach, Pablo Fernandez was captured punching an OGC Nice fan while others such as Alvaro Gonzalez and Jean-Clair Todibo were also in the thick of things. Following the result from the investigations, it is yet to be known if the game would continue behind closed doors. A default winner could also be selected. Marseille are in 8th place with 4 points and a goal difference of +1 after 1W, 1D & 1L. Jorge Sampaoli would try to forget the ugly incidents at the Allianz Riviera as he hunts for his second win of the season. A 3—4—2—1 formation with Payet leading the attack is anticipated. Lyon could be without goalkeeper, Páu Lopez while centre forward, Arkadiusz Milik remains doubtful due to a niggling knee injury.
Preview Saint-Étienne Ligue 1, Aug 28, 2021
Preview Yet to find a victory since the start of the new season, Saint-Etienne will return behind the 1-1 draw against Lille OSC. - Their third draw of the season which leaves them in 11th place with 3 points after 0W, 3D & 0L. A gift in the form of a loose touch gave Lille's Burak Yilmaz (38') a golden opportunity to put his side in the lead minutes past the half-hour mark. Saint-Etienne were on the ropes as LOSC threatened time after time but failed to find the required quality to hit the back of the net. Minutes to the end of the game, Saidou Sow (85') salvaged a point for the Green ones with a towering header. The elusive win would see Claude Puel try once more for maximum points on Saturday when the Saints make their fourth appearance of the season. He has remained with the attacking 4—3—3 formation since Match Day 1. The same shape is expected from the 59-year-old Frenchman on Saturday. The trio consisting of Denis Bouanga, Khazri and Hamouma may form the attack. On availability, central-midfielder, Aimen Moueffek is ruled out with a fractured arm.