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Marseille faces a significant challenge as they prepare to rebound from their elimination in the Europa League semi-finals when they host Lorient at the Stade Velodrome for their upcoming Ligue 1 clash.
The home team must now redouble their efforts to clinch a spot in European competition, while Lorient finds themselves in danger of relegation with just one match remaining.
Marseille's hopes of claiming their second European title were dashed in a disappointing defeat during their recent journey to Bergamo. Following a 1-1 draw at the Stade Velodrome, Marseille traveled to Italy with aspirations of securing a berth in the Europa League final, a feat they had not achieved since the 2017-18 season.
However, their dreams were shattered by a dominant Atalanta squad. Ademola Lookman, Matteo Ruggeri, and El Bilal Toure all found the net, leading to a resounding 3-0 loss for Les Phoceens.
While Atalanta progresses to face Bayer Leverkusen in the final showdown, Jean-Louis Gasset's team must now shift their focus to their remaining three league fixtures against Lorient, Reims, and Le Havre, aiming to secure European qualification for the upcoming season.
Lorient finds themselves in a precarious situation, having suffered defeats in their last six matches, the most recent being a 2-0 loss to Lens, a team with hopes for European competition.
Their recent performance has left them in 17th place, with only 26 points and a six-point gap separating them from Le Havre, who sit in 15th place. Le Havre's significant goal difference advantage further complicates Lorient's situation.
To avoid relegation, Lorient must narrow the three-point difference between them and Metz, who currently occupy the relegation playoff spot.
Their fate hangs in the balance, as failing to match Metz's result could mean the end of their four-year stint in the top flight. Metz faces Strasbourg in their upcoming fixture, adding to the pressure on Lorient.
Lorient's defensive struggles are evident, conceding 63 goals in 32 matches, the worst record in the league. Addressing their vulnerable defense is crucial, but they also need to enhance their attacking prowess, having failed to score in their last three games.
Their daunting challenge is highlighted by their winless streak against Marseille, stretching back 11 matches since their memorable 5-3 victory in April 2015.
Marseille continues to face the absence of midfielder Valentin Rongier and forward Bilal Nadir due to knee injuries. Additionally, defender Leonardo Balerdi is poised to serve a one-game suspension owing to an accumulation of yellow cards.
In Balerdi's absence, the opportunity might arise for Amir Murillo to partake in a defensive trio, joining forces with Chancel Mbemba and Samuel Gigot.
Ulisses Garcia, Jean Onana, and Pape Gueye faced exclusion from Marseille's Europa League roster under Gennaro Gattuso's leadership, which kept them out of action in the previous two matches against Atalanta. However, these players are anticipated to make a return to the matchday squad for the upcoming Ligue 1 encounter on Sunday.
Concerning the visiting team, they might have to navigate the fixture without several key players including Igor Silva, Ayman Kari, Bonke Innocent, Quentin Boisgard, Formose Mendy, and Bamba Dieng.
Lorient manager Regis Le Bris could consider reintroducing Isaak Toure to operate within a back three formation alongside Montassar Talbi and Nathaniel Adjei.
Mohamed Bamba remains a pivotal figure upfront for Lorient, having netted seven goals in 14 appearances since his arrival from Wolfsberger in January.
