Marseille predicted XI v Metz: Angel Gomes and Amine Gouiri to start for Les Phocéens

After a morale-boosting win over Ajax in midweek, Marseille travel to bottom side Metz looking to round off their week and head into the international break on a high. Roberto De Zerbi will, however, have to contend with several absences in defence and midfield.

Captain Leonardo Balerdi has returned to full training and is expected to start, having recovered from the issue that kept him out of action in recent weeks. The Argentine centre-back was fit enough for the bench in midweek but took no part in the Champions League clash. His comeback is timely, with Facundo Medina ruled out for around two months after picking up an ankle injury against Ajax.

Meanwhile, Angel Gomes could be expected to start for De Zerbi’s side, after Matt O’Riley has featured in the last four matches instead of the Englishman in midfield – with a certain amount of rotation expected following two busy weeks in Europe. This also means a chance for Amine Gouiri to start up front in Ligue 1.

Elsewhere, Geoffrey Kondogbia and Hamed Traoré remain unavailable, while Pol Lirola and Neal Maupay—both out of De Zerbi’s plans—were also absent from training on Friday morning.

Marseille Predicted XI v Metz: Rulli – Emerson, Aguerd, Pavard, Murillo – Vermeeren, Højbjerg – Paixao, Gomes, Greenwood – Gouiri.