Despite an attack decimated by injuries and the weather conditions, Marseille make their way to Auxerre with the firm intention of making up the points they have dropped in the league and continuing their great run of form away from home.

First of al perturb by the chaotic weatrher, OM’s week will finish off in a more traditional manner with their trip to Auxerre. In other words, their first league match in three weeks, since the defeat to Nancy. Even if Wednesday’s training session had to be called off because of the snow, it will not be an «excuse» according to the coach. «But it’s always a little worrying as it is inhabitual not to train three days before a match» he continues. Since then, between sessions on synthetic pitches and sessions at la Ciotat, OM have managed to prepare for their match.
«Get off on the right foot straight away» has said already Benoît Cheyrou. The midfielder continued in his train of thought: «Mentally we showed that we were on the right track in the Coupe de France, we have to keep that frame of mind.»
The tough Coupe de France game in Besançon tested the mental toughness of an OM side that stood up to be counted and turned around a tricky situation. They will need to use this toughness against Auxerre, in the league, where they want to make up lost ground. «We have to keep our run going away from home , announces Erik Gerets, with the big accident we had against Nancy, we have to win everything now. A draw away on the road is a good result if you win at home, but in our situation, we have to do more.» The famous run that was mentioned, is still looking good: if OM do not lose in Burgundy, they will have gone an entire year without losing away from home in the L1 (their last defeat was on the 13th of January 2008 away to Rennes 1-3).
Their intentions are there, but there is another factor that comes into play: the epidemic of injuries that has wiped out the OM forward line. As well as Niang, Koné is injuered now as well after picking up a knock to his knee in training on Thursday, and is out of the match. Samassa, a long time doubtful, is in the group, but things look very tight in attack. Even if the OM coach feels that Gnabouyou still «needs time», he is in the squad and as Samassa’s physical condition remains uncertain, the attacking duo could be altogether new.
Erik Gerets has announced that he counts on the Ben Arfa and feels that Valbuena «has qualities» and that it is «up to him to prove it». Could these be clues for Saturday? Ojne thing is for sure: the climate will probably have an incidence on the match, with thrills guaranteed …