Marseille Aims to Boost Streak Against Struggling Auxerre

AUXERRE, France — The Olympique de Marseille faces off against AJ Auxerre on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Stade Abbé Deschamps. With both teams having drastically different fortunes this season, the match is crucial for both sides. Marseille seeks to maintain its winning momentum after a decisive 5-1 victory over Saint-Étienne, while Auxerre has struggled and not won a game since November 24, 2024.

Roberto De Zerbi, Marseille’s head coach, has brought a roster of 21 players, marking a notable absence as a key player is missing. However, fans of the club are eager for the return of another player, who has been sidelined for weeks, adding an element of surprise to the lineup.

Marseille currently sits in a strong position in the Ligue 1 standings, laying 10 points behind the leaders, Paris Saint-Germain. With three consecutive wins under their belt, De Zerbi’s squad is soundly focused on securing a top-two finish, a goal they can advance towards with a victory against Auxerre.

The Auxerre team, coached by Christophe Pellissier, has been experiencing a difficult phase, accumulating six draws and five defeats in their last eleven matches. Despite possessing a seven-point buffer over the relegation zone, the lack of wins raises concerns that must be addressed quickly. ‘We need to rediscover our winning mentality,’ Pellissier stated ahead of the match.

For Auxerre, Gaëtan Perrin emerged as a standout player last week, marking two goals in his last outing. The Auxerre squad previously stunned Marseille with a 3-1 victory in their last encounter earlier in the season. ‘We need to channel that previous victory into an advantage,’ said Perrin.

The upcoming match is particularly pivotal for both teams. Marseille looks to continue its successful run to close the gap with PSG and create distance from third-place Nice, while Auxerre searches for a way back into winning form. The match will be broadcast on DAZN 1, starting at 21:05 local time.

As anticipation builds for what could be a dramatic clash, both sides carry their share of pressure, making for an intriguing fixture in Ligue 1.