Marseille v FC Zurich preview

Defeat could prove costly in crunch contest at Stade Velodrome

Last updated: 3rd November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Marseille v FC Zurich preview

Deschamps: Must find some form

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Marseille and FC Zurich will enter their meeting on Tuesday knowing defeat could dash their European dreams.

Both sides have taken just three points from as many games so far and know another setback in midweek is likely to bring the curtain down on their continental quest.

With European heavyweights AC Milan and Real Madrid also competing in Group C, being cast adrift at this stage is likely to prove costly.

Marseille will enter the game as favourites, with the imposing surrounds of the Stade Velodrome often working in their favour.

Didier Deschamps' side are not in the best of form on home soil, though, failing to win three of their last four fixtures in front of their fanatical supporters.

With crucial games in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League coming up over the coming weeks, Marseille know they must start building some momentum if they are to rescue their season.

Zurich head to France with a 1-0 defeat against Marseille in their last European outing fresh in their mind, and with little form to speak of domestically.

They may have sprung a surprise in claiming a 1-0 win over the mighty Milan earlier this season, but that has been the highlight of their campaign so far.

Bernard Challandes' side sit fifth in the Swiss top flight, well off the pace set by leaders Young Boys.

Untimely blow

Marseille's plans were dealt a blow over the weekend when Lucho was forced off during their 1-1 draw with Toulouse with an ankle knock andhe is now set for up to four weeks on the sidelines.

Julien Rodriguez (ankle), Cyril Rool (knee) and Benoit Cheyrou (groin) also miss out for Deschamps' side, while Laurent Bonnart is suspended.

Zurich coach Challandes must cope with several absentees when travelling to Marseille.

He will have to do without midfielder Almen Abdi while forward Marco Schonbachler, who is suffering with a stomach upset, will not be making the trip either.

Yassine Chikhaoui (knee), Martin Buchel (foot) and Eric Hassli (rib, broken leg) are also out of action.

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