Marseille vs. Bordeaux: Key Issues and Decisions That Will Shape Ligue 1 Game

Depending on how title rivals Paris Saint-Germain perform against FC Metz on Friday, Marseille could go into Sunday’s game with Bordeaux needing all three points to go back on top of Ligue 1.

Marseille may not have won in Bordeaux since 1978, but their record at the Stade Velodrome against Les Girondins is far more favourable. Willy Sagnol’s side travel south knowing they haven’t come away from Marseille with all three points in six years.

Back then, the side lead by Laurent Blanc needed two late goals to steal a 2-1 victory. Come Sunday night’s game, the visitors will need to be at their very best if they have any hope of pulling off a similar result.

One positive for Sagnol will be the current injury problems Marcelo Bielsa has to deal with, this could be one of the best opportunities Bordeaux has had to end their bad run against Les Phoceens.

Here are the key issues and decisions that will shape Sunday’s big Ligue 1 game.

Will OM Fans Finally Get a Glimpse of Brazilian Doria

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Marseille fans have yet to see Doria in action.

Injury problems in defence are giving Bielsa a headache this week. Already without Jeremy Morel, Cameroon international Nicolas N’Koulou has returned to the club with a knock, via lephoceen (in French) and should miss Sunday’s game, leaving the Argentinian coach with few options in defence.

Veteran Rod Fanni will keep his role in the defence, but the real decision is who will partner the Frenchman.

Signed for €10 million this summer, Brazilian defender Doria has still to play a single minute of action for his new club. Bielsa was clear the 20-year-old wasn’t his choice per Hamish Mackay of Daily Mail, and his reluctance to pick him in any game so far backs the stubborn stance from the coach known as “El Loco.”

However, with no other first-team centre-backs available, you would assume, 13 weeks into the season, Bielsa has made his point, and he could hand the Brazilian his debut, or at least name him on the bench.

Early team news suggests Bielsa will once again ignore the apparent talents of Doria and name fellow youngster Baptiste Aloe in the starting XI.

Aloe came on for the final 22 minutes against Lens and looks set to make his first-ever start for OM this Sunday.

The highly regarded 20-year-old who captained Brazil to victory at this summer’s Toulon tournament will have to wait a little longer for his first taste of action.

Bordeaux Defensive Issues Causing Problems for Sagnol

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Pallois battles with Ricky van Wolfswinkel.

At the start of the season, when Bordeaux won their first five games and led the league, their defence was one of their strong points. The back four was consistent and helped the attack play with freedom and confidence.

Over the past four games, even though Bordeaux has won the last two, Sagnol has had to chop and change his back-line, and it has caused some problems in recent weeks.

Sagnol has had to change between a back three and a back four twice, and he has named five different centre-backs over the four games.

Injuries to Liverpool loanee Tiago Ilori and captain Ludovic Sane has caused the changes, with new signing Nicolas Pallois carrying the burden more often than not.

It is causing problems higher up the pitch, too. With both Gregory Sertic and Julien Faubert dropping back from midfield to deputise in the centre of defence, it forces Sagnol to bring in other players to play in the centre of the park.

If Bordeaux can’t play their strongest midfield against a team of Marseille’s calibre, they are going to struggle to compete at the Velodrome on Sunday night.

Marseille Set for New-Look Attack

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Gignac could be out of Sunday's clash.

There was bad news for Bielsa this week as Ghanaian Andre Ayew was ruled out for 12-15 days with a hamstring injury picked up while away on international duty.

"

Real blow for Marseille - André Ayew out fo "12-15 days" with hamstring problem picked up on international duty with Ghana

— Andy Brassell (@andybrassell) November 19, 2014"

Striker Andre-Pierre Gignac also returned from duty with France with pain in his left ankle. Returning to training on Thursday, the forward had to shorten his session, but in Friday's press conference, Bielsa named the striker in his lineup.

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Bielsa confirms the team vs Bordeaux - Mandanda - Dja Djédjé, Fanni, Aloé, Mendy - Lemina Imbula - Alessandrini, Payet, Thauvin - Gignac

— Andrew Gibney (@Gibney_A) November 21, 2014"

Gignac could still be a doubt, with the lineup still subject to change before kick-off on Sunday evening.

Continuing to play with both Gignac and players like Romain Alessandrini, who was also a injury doubt, could do more harm than good. Bielsa loves to play a settled eleven for each game, but if they are not 100 percent fit, it could effect the team long-term.

Both Michy Batshuayi and Abdelaziz Barrada have yet to start for OM this season, they have made six appearances off the bench but opportunities remain limited.

For Marseille to go all the way this season, Bielsa will have to utilise his squad sooner rather than later. Both players are good enough to start against Bordeaux, but they may have to wait a little longer for an opportunity.