Stade de la Mosson et http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Du-c11689 Mondial 98 will see the reigning Ligue 1 champions take on a resurgent Marseille side as the home team looks to register its first win of the 2012/2013 Championnat
Lot to live up to
Last season’s Championelle triumph has certainly put a lot of pressure on Montpellier Herault for this season. Against all odds, La Paillade beat Paris Saint-Germain to the league title and many people expected the side to come out all guns blazing despite
losing the services of star striker Olivier Giroud.
However, things have not gone according to plan for Rene Girard’s side who are still searching for their first win of the campaign.
A 1-1 draw at home to Toulouse was quickly followed by a 2-1 defeat against Lorient. The game against Les Merlus saw new signing Emmanuel Herrera bag his first goal in Ligue 1. However, two late strikes from Lorient saw Montpellier leave the Morbihan department
with nothing but a sour taste in the mouth.
And on Sunday, Montpellier’s resolve would be tested when they face Marseille – a team that has a lot to prove after a forgettable last campaign. Despite seeing his side underperform in the opening two fixtures, Girard is relishing the opportunity to see
if his side has enough juice in it.
The French tactician sees the game as a good one in terms on working on the motivation levels of his players.
Promising start
The last time that Olympique de Marseille won their first two games of the Championnat, they went on to lift the Championelle. This season has started in the same fashion for the Rhone club. after beating FC Sochaux 2-0 in the first game of the season, Les
Phoceens went on to beat newly-promoted Stade de Reims away from home.
As things stand, Elie Baup’s side are in second place in the Ligue 1 standings and trail leaders http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Olympique-Lyonnais-c40130 by one point. However, it’s still early days to talk about current standings.
Despite this, Marseille fans know that their team has made a terrific start to the new season. On Thursday, Baup’s side won the first leg of the Europa League play-off tie against Sheriff Tiraspol. The win in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jordan-Ayew-c19098 score a Brace and
star striker, Loic Remy also made a return from injury.
The Europa League qualification game also showed the talent young midfielder, Rafidine Abdullah promises. The 18-year-old has so far played just two minutes of Ligue 1 this season, but his performance against Sheriff has impressed Baup who was missing Andre
Ayew and Benoit Cheyrou in that game.
So far in the league, Les Phoceens have not let in a single goal. However, Baup, unlike most of his predecessors, is operating within a tight budget.
Team news
Montpellier Herault
Defender http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jamel-Saihi-c17676 is suspended for the game after seeing red against Toulouse.
Summer signing, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Anthony-Mounier-c6224 is still out injured while Younes Belhanda, who made a cameo appearance last week, might be used later in the game.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Olympique-de-Marseille-c40127
Stephane Mbia is set to return to first-team duties after a two-game ban. Benoit Cheyrou missed the 2-1 Europa League win and will feature against the reigning champions. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Souleymane-Diawara-c33850 is a long-term absentee while Andre Ayew will also watch from the
stands.
What the managers and presidents say
Montpellier
"For me, it's a great fixture in terms of working on motivation levels. It's the ideal match for us to rediscover the determination and aggressiveness that have been lacking in our first two games.” (Rene Girard)
Loulou time
The club’s president is not impressed with how his players have fared in the opening two games and let his feelings know in his very own way.
"On Sunday we will beat OM and get back on the right road. But the spirit is not good. It's scandalous. There are a few at the moment who are really annoying me. I've always loved my players, my team, and now I admit and recognize that I love them a
bit less."
Olympique de Marseille
"It's always difficult to stay rigorous and disciplined and stay organized when you're playing against a side that lets you have control of the football. That was the case last weekend against Sochaux” (Elie Baup after the win against Sheriff)
Predicted finals score: 1-1
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