Olympique de Marseille will hope their 9-0 rout of FC Bayeux in the Coupe de France will help shake off the slow start to the new year as they travel to the Stade Raymond Kopa to face Angers SCO in a return to league action. 

Roberto De Zerbi will be without two of his defensive lieutenants for tonight’s fixture. The head coach explained in a press conference that Benjamin Pavard was a major doubt, having picked up an injury. Nayef Aguerd remains unavailable due to his involvement in Morocco’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign; the nation will play the final against Senegal tomorrow evening. In their absence, Facundo Medina will likely line up alongside Leonardo Balerdi in the centre of defence. 

Up front, Amine Gouiri should start over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Igor Paixão’s position in the starting lineup could come under question following recent costly mistakes, which could see Hamed Traorè starting on the left wing. 

Marseille likely lineup v Angers

Gerónimo Rulli; Emerson Palmieri, Facundo Medina, Leonardo Balerdi, Amir Murillo; Arthur Vermeeren, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg; Hamed Traorè, Mason Greenwood, Timothy Weah; Amine Gouiri. (L’Éq)