In the highly anticipated Classico between PSG and Olympique de Marseille, the Phocaeans have a tradition of fielding African talent, continuing a legacy that dates back to their European title-winning team featuring Basile Boli, Abedi Pelé, and Marcel Desailly. Tonight’s clash is no exception, with Marseille likely to feature a strong African contingent in their starting eleven.
However, PSG, in contrast, does not boast any African internationals in their squad for this match, with only Blaise Matuidi, of Angolan origin, representing the continent. Marseille’s lineup is expected to include several African internationals such as Nicolas Nkoulou (Cameroon), Souleymane Diawara (Senegal), Alaixys Romao (Togo), André Ayew (Ghana), and Brice Dja Djédjé (Ivory Coast), among others.
Here are the expected lineups for both teams:
PSG:
- Goalkeepers: Sirigu, Douchez
- Defenders: Alex, Digne, Marquinhos, Maxwell, T.Silva, Van der Wiel
- Midfielders: Verratti, Rabiot, Pastore, T.Motta, Matuidi, Lucas, Cabaye
- Forwards: Ibrahimovic, Cavani, Lavezzi
Marseille:
- Goalkeepers: Mandanda, Samba
- Defenders: Diawara, Mendy, Nkoulou, Mendes, Dja Djédjé, Morel, Fanni
- Midfielders: Imbula, Lemina, Valbuena, Cheyrou, A. Ayew, Romao
- Forwards: Thauvin, Gignac, Payet
