Olympique de Marseille, already eliminated from the Champions League, takes the field against Arsenal with little at stake. Recognizing the lack of hope in their Champions League campaign, coach Elie Baup has opted to introduce some fresh faces and provide valuable experience to the younger players.
Facing Arsenal, the starting lineup undergoes significant changes. Mario Lemina celebrates his inaugural start for Marseille in a midfield trio alongside Romao and Imbula. In light of André Ayew’s knee injury and Dimitri Payet’s absence, Baup also opts to rest Mathieu Valbuena, Thauvin, and Fanni, who will begin the match on the bench. With Saber Khalifa now recovered, he seizes the opportunity to gain playing time and is positioned at the forefront of the attack alongside Jordan Ayew.
In contrast, Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger fields his typical starting eleven.
Olympique de Marseille Starting XI: Mandanda – Abdallah, Nkoulou, Mendes, Morel – Lemina, Romao, Imbula – J.Ayew, Gignac, Khalifa Substitutes: Samba, Mendy, Diawara, Fanni, Cheyrou, Valbuena, Thauvin
Arsenal Starting XI: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Flamini, Ramsey, Wilshere, Rosicky, Ozil, Giroud Substitutes: Fabianski, Vermaelen, Arteta, Walcott, Cazorla, Bendtner, Gnabry
