Their current form, their tactics and the players to watch. Everything you need to know about Claude Puel’s side ahead of Lille-OM.

Current form

LOSC has won just one of their past five games: against Auxerre (0-1) in round 13. This win aside, the Lillois have lost in Caen (1-0, round 11), at home to Strasbourg (0-3, round 12) and are coming off a home draw with Nice (1-1) and a loss to Nancy (2-0). At home, Claude Puel’s men have a mixed record. Their one and only victory dates back to October 6, against Valenciennes (3-0). Monaco and Strasbourg both won at The Stadium while Lorient, Sochaux, Bordeaux and Nice all got a point from their trips to the northeast. But we know only too well that a match against Olympique de Marseille remains a special match in any team’s season.

Tactics

Claude Puel began the season with a fairly standard 4-4-2. When the results didn’t come rolling in, he changed plans, and in recent matches he has often opted for a 4-5-1 with a tight midfield, which can easily fan out into a 4-3-3. Against the Marseillais on Saturday night, he’ll have to make do without his captain, Tafforeau, who is out with an in jury he sustained in Nancy. It remains to be seen how the players will react to his absence… Sylva will be in goals. In defence, Beria and Plestan should play in the centre with Liechtsteiner on the right, but there is a question mark over the left back position. Lebbihi replaced Tafforeau last week in Nancy. In the middle, Makoun should sit in front of the defenders while in front of him Dumont and Cabaye will pull the strings. Bastos and Obraniak will play on the wings and get balls into Mirallas who will be the lone striker unless Fauvergue is selected ahead of him. Obliged to get a result, however, Claude Puel may well choose to play with both strikers.

Players to watch

Jean II Makoun: A very technical defensive midfielder with strong heading skills from free kicks, Jean Il Makoun is the centrepiece of Lille’s game. His performances have been razor sharp so far this season, corresponding with Lille’s better form.
Obraniak