MTNFootball

No matter the result of this clash, the Marseillais will have had their worst season since the 2000-2001 edition where they ended in 15th position; the fault of a catastrophic start to the season according to Didier Deschamps.

“We had a terrible start to the season in August, not with regard to content, but we weren’t rewarded in terms of points.  This led to nervousness, doubt, even once the situation was back on track.  Starting with the unfair defeat in Brest, we were on a downward spiral,” explained the Olympic coach.

But Marseille’s players will nevertheless be competing in the Europa League next season, thanks to their victory in the League Cup.

Didier Deschamps’ men definitely want to end on a good note, but for the Sochaliens a win at home is more of a must if they hope to remain in the Ligue 1.

The Lionceaux are lying in fifteenth position with 39 points, but with a disastrous goal difference (-21) they are under pressure from their pursuers, also threatened by relegation.

And knowing that there is little at stake for OM, Eric Hely’s protégés are heading into this clash on a very serious note.

“We have to be careful because OM are one of those teams that can pull out a big match at any moment.  It would be a mistake to think otherwise.  So if we have to put on the pressure and tackle, we’ll be ready to do it.  We mustn’t underestimate OM, or we could take a battering,” warned Sochaux midfielder, Ryad Boudebouz.