OM – Lorient: The Vélodrome on Fire, Time for a Renaissance or a Breton Trap?

This Friday, September 12, 2025, at 8:45 p.m., the Vélodrome lights up again. After ten days of international duty, OM return to Ligue 1 to face FC Lorient. Some may see this as a one-sided contest, but it carries all the signs of a potential trap. Between a Marseille side desperate to relaunch and Lorient, wounded but proud, it’s a clash of wills. Marseille cannot afford to slip. Lorient have nothing to lose. Everything is set for a charged evening on the Canebière.

Context: A Turbulent August, a Decisive September

OM come into this fourth round of Ligue 1 in an uncomfortable 10th place with only three points from three games. Defeats at Rennes (1–0) and Lyon (1–0), followed by a chaotic but emphatic 5–2 win over Paris FC, left fans frustrated. Manager Roberto De Zerbi himself called August “a month that felt like several seasons rolled into one”: twelve signings to integrate, a mercato boiling until the last minute, and inconsistent results.

The international break arrived at the right moment to reset. But the calendar leaves no room for comfort: Lorient on Friday, Real Madrid at the Bernabéu on Tuesday, and PSG at the Vélodrome the following Sunday. Three pivotal matches. Three chances to swing from a shaky start to a conquering momentum.

Lorient, meanwhile, are struggling. A 1–0 defeat at Auxerre, a spectacular but misleading 4–0 win over Rennes reduced to nine men, and then a catastrophic 7–1 collapse at home to Lille. With 18 goals conceded already, they hold the worst defensive record in the league. Sitting 15th, their only aim is survival—to ensure they celebrate their centenary in Ligue 1 next year.

OM’s Lineup: New Faces and Adjustments

De Zerbi must manage late returns from South America (Rulli, Balerdi) and the suspension of Egan-Riley. The result: a revamped XI blending experience with new blood.

• Goalkeeper: Jeffrey De Lange is set to start, with Rulli given a rest after his long trip back from Argentina.
• Defense: A high-profile pairing of new arrivals Benjamin Pavard and Nayef Aguerd in central defense, supported by Medina on the left and Emerson (or Murillo) on the right. Balerdi is expected on the bench after playing 90 minutes with Argentina.
• Midfield: Højbjerg wears the armband, flanked by Angel Gomes and newcomer Matt O’Riley, tipped to become the vertical metronome OM lacked.
• Attack: Igor Paixao, back after two months sidelined, could slot in on the left. Hamed Junior Traoré may start on the right, with Amine Gouiri leading the line as Aubameyang is rested.

Probable OM XI (4-3-3): De Lange – Emerson, Pavard, Aguerd, Medina – Højbjerg (c), Gomes, O’Riley – Traoré, Gouiri, Paixao.

Lorient: Wounded Pride

Coach Olivier Pantaloni faces multiple absences (Pagis, Katseris, Fadiga, Touré…) and must rebuild a defense humiliated by Lille. His plan: density, discipline, and rapid counterattacks.

• Goalkeeper: Yvon Mvogo returns to take the gloves.
• Defense: Likely a back three of Faïd, Talbi, and Igor Silva.
• Midfield: Wing-backs Mvuka and Yongwa will be vital, with captain Laurent Abergel anchoring alongside Avom.
• Attack: Soumano as central striker, supported by Tosin and Bamba.

Probable Lorient XI (5-4-1): Mvogo – Igor Silva, Faïd, Talbi – Mvuka, Abergel (c), Avom, Yongwa – Tosin, Bamba, Soumano.

Key Men to Watch

OM:

• Igor Paixao: The record signing is under the spotlight. His dribbling, pace, and flair are expected to unlock deep blocks.
• Benjamin Pavard: The World Cup winner brings pedigree and leadership. His partnership with Aguerd could stabilize the backline.
• Pierre-Emile Højbjerg: Criticized in August, but excellent on international duty. His response could set the tone for OM’s midfield.

Lorient:

• Laurent Abergel: Marseille-born captain and tireless leader. His grit embodies Lorient’s fighting spirit.
• Tosin: Powerful and fast, with two goals already this season. Dangerous on the break.
• Arthur Avom: Last season’s Ligue 2 revelation. A box-to-box disruptor who could trouble OM’s midfield.

Tactical Keys

• OM: Must dominate tempo and avoid early lapses. De Zerbi demands “intensity and pressing for 80 minutes.” The team needs to convert chances quickly and silence doubts.
• Lorient: Compact block, quick transitions. Pantaloni calls for “pride and patience,” hoping to frustrate OM and strike on the counter.

Key duel: Paixao vs. Mvuka. If Paixao wins his wing battle, Marseille will find gaps.

History: Fortress Vélodrome

• OM haven’t lost to Lorient at home since 2015 (3–5).
• Over the last 12 meetings, Marseille hold 9 wins and 3 draws.
• In 2025, the Vélodrome has been a fortress: 82% home win rate, unbeaten since March.

The Referee: Thomas Léonard, Strict but Lucky for OM

Thomas Léonard, nicknamed the “Gatling Gun” for his card distribution (4.5 yellows per match), will officiate. Yet history shows OM thrive under him: 4 wins, 3 draws, and just 1 loss in 8 games, with zero red cards against them. His strict style might even favor OM’s technical play. Benoît Bastien will oversee VAR.

Words from the Coaches

• De Zerbi: “Everyone is fit. Paixao is back, Balerdi is back. I want to win, but by playing well. If you don’t play well, you can’t win.”
• Pantaloni: “We must show pride, resilience, and face everything head on. Against Marseille, we have to show a different image.”

Verdict

For OM, this is more than three points. It’s about resetting the season, embedding new signings, and proving themselves before clashes with Madrid and PSG. For Lorient, it’s about pride, survival, and centenary spirit.

The Vélodrome, always unforgiving, will decide: renaissance for OM, or Breton ambush?