Mama Baldé during Reims – OL (Photo by FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI / AFP)
With the absences of Alexandre Lacazette and Ernest Nuamah, Pierre Sage had to review his offensive line. The OL coach could have relied on Gift Orban and Rayan Cherki but ultimately chose to restart Mama Baldé and Malick Fofana against Lorient.
After the fall against Lens, the rebound in Lorient? Having seen its positive streak in February come to an end on the first weekend of March, OL must get their heads back together this Saturday (5 p.m.) on the Moustoir lawn. As much to avoid falling into doubt as to regain your distance in the red zone. It will not be an easy task against Merlus, with a similar dynamic. In this meeting for maintenance, Pierre Wise must also make do with four notable absences. Maitland-Niles is suspended while Lacazette, Mangala And Nuamah are forfeited. It was therefore necessary to review the offensive line in Brittany with two of the three usual starters on the flank. When a change of system could have been made, Pierre Sage chose to maintain his 4-3-3 with a big surprise.
Tolisso in midfield
Little to his advantage Metz then against LensGift Orban will start the meeting on the bench, Mama Baldé starting on the attacker’s front. The Bissau-Guinean had not started a meeting with OL since November 12. It was already in Brittany during the first victory of the season in Rennes. Lacking confidence, the attacker is given an opportunity by Sage to find the target and bring competition up front.
He will not be the only novelty since Malick Fofana he also finds a starting place. Rather to his advantage during his entries, the Belgian is “rewarded” when Rayan Cherki could have claimed this place on the right side of the attack. Without Mangala, Tolisso will be the third thief in the midfield alongside Matic and Caqueret. Mata replaces Maitland-Niles on the right of defense.
The composition of OL in Lorient: Lopes – Mata, O’Brien, Caleta-Car, Tagliafico – Caqueret, Matic, Tolisso – Fofana, Baldé, Benrahma