<p><strong>Ligue 1 preview – Olympique de Marseille vs. AC Ajaccio</strong></p>
<p>Olympique de Marseille coach Didier Deschamps is desperate to steer clear from the red zone as they face AC Ajaccio at Stade Velodrome in the 11<sup>th</sup> round of the 2011/12 Ligue 1 Championelle on 22<sup>nd</sup> October, 2011.</p>
<p><strong>Olympique de Marseille</strong></p>
<p>Marseille have not been able to get a foot fold in the league been this season. Having won only one game against Evian TG, the runners-up from last season are yet to show their previous form in the title run.</p>
<p>Les Phoceens main problem have been their lack of wins this season. Although the Rhone club have lost only three games, they have drawn six games. In their last match against Toulouse FC, Marseille showed great competitiveness as they pushed the fourth ranked
team all over the place.</p>
<p>Though being reduced down to 10 men in the 58<sup>th</sup> minute, Les Phoceens maintained their composure for 32 minutes and were successful in ending the game in a goalless draw.</p>
<p>Marseille face an inexperienced side of Ligue 1. Defender Souleymane Diawara reckons that this is a good chance to build on the foundation from their last game. “It’s becoming really worrying. We’re not winning, only drawing. If we want to be a challenge
to the title, then we’re going to have to get our backsides into gear,” said the Senegal international.</p>
<p>Marseille will be looking to crush the rookies of Ligue 1 at home in order to boost their morale and prove that they are still threat to the Ligue 1 Championelle.</p>
<p><strong>AC Ajaccio </strong></p>
<p>AC Ajaccio have a similar record to that of Les Phoceens, having won only one game 3-1, against Valenciennes FC in their 2011/12 Ligue 1 campaign. In their last seven visits to Stade Velodrome, L'ours have lost on five occasions and the current form of the
Corsican club hardly suggests that they are capable of pulling this visit in their favour.</p>
<p>Although Ajaccio have lost five games in the 2011/12 Ligue 1 Championelle, they have a few consolation prizes to boast about, such as drawing with seven times champions of France Olympique Lyonnais. </p>
<p>The Corsican side were thrashed 1-3 in their last game against Paris Saint-Germain at home, sending them deep into the relegation zone. Ajaccio started well as they successfully equalised the first goal in the 24<sup>th</sup> minute, but the defence was
all over the place, in the second half as Kevin Gameiro netted two goals in three minutes.</p>
<p>The newly promoted side is aware of the potential of the 2010 champions of France and are hoping to give tough time to Les Phoceens as they did Lyon in August. In an interview to Ajaccio’s official website, striker Richard Socrier was quoted saying, “If
we could return with a point that would be great. We will try to repeat what we did in Lyon. We respect the big teams, but we do not take them for gods. They have qualities, but so do we.”</p>
<p><strong>Team News</strong></p>
<p><strong>Olympique de Marseille</strong></p>
<p>Stephane Mbia is out to due to foot injury sustained in August. Whereas Lucho Gonzalez, Andre Ayew and Nicolas N’Koulou suffered injuries in the UEFA Champions League game against Arsenal and are doubtful to feature in the weekend game against Ajaccio. Charles
Kabore and Souleymane Diawara are suspended from play.</p>
<p>Coming back into the squad after serving their respective suspensions are Cesar Azpilicueta, Alou Diarra and the top assist of Ligue 1, Mathieu Valbuena.</p>
<p><strong>AC Ajaccio</strong></p>
<p>Playmaker Fabrice Begeorgi will not feature in the weekend game due to knee injury. On loan from Marseille, defender Leyti N'Diaye will be available to play against his parent club.</p>
<p><strong>Prediction</strong></p>
<p>Olympique de Marseille showed great resilience against Toulouse after Charles Kabore was sent off in the second half. With the home advantage, Les Phoceens will be able to take three comfortable points against Ajaccio.</p>
<p>Predicted final score: Olympique de Marseille 3-0 AC Ajaccio</p>
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