OM–PSG: Two battle plans, one truth at the Vélodrome

Context: A Classic under tension moved to Monday

This Monday evening, the Orange Vélodrome will host a Clasico that’s even more anticipated after its forced postponement. Rain, storms, and Sunday’s orange weather alert pushed the match back by a day, but the pressure remains the same: Marseille and Paris both want to make a big statement.

While OM won their case to play as early as this Monday, PSG is left frustrated, as several of its key players were expected this evening… at the Théâtre du Châtelet for the Ballon d’Or ceremony. But once the kickoff is given, no more excuses: the tactical battle promises to be fierce.

Paris: a weakened but competitive eleven

Luis Enrique must deal with an offensive crisis. No Dembélé, no Doué, no Barcola, nor João Neves. The result: the Spanish coach fields a reworked 4-3-3.

• Goalkeeper: Lucas Chevalier
• Defense: Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes
• Midfield: Ruiz, Vitinha, Zaïre-Emery
• Attack: Ibrahim Mbaye on the right, Kvaratskhelia on the left, Lee Kang-In as a false number 9

A reshaped but dangerous team, capable of holding the ball and striking on the break. Watch out for Kvaratskhelia’s flashes of brilliance, a true ball magnet on the left wing.

Marseille: De Zerbi plays the balance and intensity card

On Marseille’s side, De Zerbi fields his usual 4-2-3-1, without Kondogbia and Traoré but reinforced by a key return: that of Nayef Aguerd.

• Goalkeeper: Rulli
• Defense: Emerson, Aguerd, Balerdi, Pavard
• Defensive midfield: Højbjerg and Angel Gomes
• Attacking line: Weah, O’Riley, Greenwood
• Striker: Aubameyang

The Italian coach is relying on a balanced block, solid at the back and creative up front. Greenwood, criticized for his inconsistency, will once again have the chance to prove he can shine on the big stage. And Aubameyang, the experienced captain, remains the main finishing weapon.

The key: midfield and intensity

Everything will be decided in the heart of the game. Paris will count on Vitinha and Zaïre-Emery to dictate the tempo, but the absence of João Neves weakens their balance. OM, with Højbjerg as a holding midfielder and Gomes as the playmaker, must capitalize by winning the ball high and launching their attackers quickly.

The other key will be intensity. The Vélodrome, fired up after the postponement, expects its players to come out all guns blazing. De Zerbi insists on “serenity and passion”: OM must know how to press hard without burning themselves out.

Verdict: a night with double stakes

OM–PSG remains a prestige duel, but tonight it takes on added significance. Paris arrives weakened, unsettled by the Ballon d’Or ceremony. Marseille is eager for revenge after Madrid and driven by a volcanic Vélodrome crowd.

The postponement added spice, the absences reshuffled the deck. One thing is certain: this Classic, more than ever, will be won as much in the mind as on the pitch.