Ligue 1 (30th Matchday): FC Lorient to host Marseille on Saturday at 5 PM

The FC Lorient team will face Marseille with a depleted squad. The defense is particularly affected by absences. Talbi, who is recovering from a calf injury sustained in Lyon, will remain out. Le Bris will also miss the rest of the season after his premature exit in the last match. Additionally, Kouassi is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards.

Katseris on the right and Yongwa on the left seem to be the only options to replace the full-backs. Adjei is expected to continue in the center of defense.

Club captain Abergel’s return to the starting lineup is deemed “premature” by coach Olivier Pantaloni. Despite returning sooner than expected, the 33-year-old midfielder has been out for over a month and a half with an ankle injury. He will be on the bench and should come on during the match against his former club. Yvon Mvogo will be the captain at kickoff.

A strong attack for Marseille

At Marseille, the defense is also facing challenges. Egan-Riley, Kondogbia, and Aguerd are sidelined due to injuries, while Medina is suspended. The former Stade Rennais coach is likely to revert to a four-man defense with Weah, Pavard, Balerdi, and Emerson.

Marseille’s powerful offense, the second highest scoring in Ligue 1, will be at full force. Greenwood, Gouiri, Paixao, and Aubameyang are expected to start. Together, they have scored 60 goals this season, including 37 in Ligue 1.

Probable Lineups

LORIENT: Mvogo (captain) – Meïté, Adjei, Faye – Katseris, Avom, Cadiou, Yongwa – Pagis, Makengo – Dieng.

Substitutes: Kamara, Leroy (gk) – Silva, Siba, Abergel, Karim, Semedo, Fadiga, Tosin, Soumano.

Coach: Olivier Pantaloni.

Absentees: Talbi (calf), Le Bris (hamstring), Kouassi (suspended), Toure (choice).

MARSEILLE: Rulli – Weah, Pavard, Balerdi, Emerson – Timber, Hojbjerg (captain) – Greenwood, Gouiri, Paixao – Aubameyang.

Substitutes: De Lange (gk) – Nnadi, Abdelli, Vermeeren, Nadir, Traoré, Nwaneri, Lago.

Coach: Habib Beye

Absentees: Egan-Riley, Kondogbia, Aguerd (injured), Medina (suspended).