Can Toulouse continue their winning ways against L’OM?

By: Dave Trotter | October 31st, 2009

emana_om After a rocky start to the season, Toulouse FC seems to finally have their winning ways back.

Toulouse, who were plagued by injuries during most of the first ten weeks, should have a nearly-full squad available as they travel to Stade Vélodrome. Andre-Pierre Gignac says that he has recovered from his two injuries that he sustained this season (groin and hip). “It’s going much better, it’s on the right track. Not that long ago it was painful just to walk whereas now, I have no pain when I walk, run or shoot,” said Gignac to the official Ligue 1 website.

The only players of note that will miss the match are the same names that we have heard over the last few months..Fofana, N’Diaye, Cetto, Devaux, Mansaré.

While Toulouse does have the high-flying Gignac and Moussa Sissoko, who has scored four goals for Le Tef this year, the side have been more known for their defense than they offense. The emergence of France’s under-21 captain Etienne Capoue as a solid defensive midfielder and defender has given Toulouse an extra boost on the back line. It is fair to say that this Toulouse defense might the the strongest that Marseille has played this year, only allowing seven goals this season.

While Toulouse has had their problems this year, so have Marseille. Even though the team roster looks like a who’s-who of Ligue 1 football, it is still easy to say that the preseason hype might have been a little bit premature.

So, what to look for in this match? Well, Gignac and Sissoko. Marseille have shown in the last month that they still have some work to do on their back line. There still seems to be a lack of chemistry between Souleymane Diawara and Gaby Heinze, who have allowed offensive plays to develop for the opposition that shouldn’t have. And, again, if L’OM is able to pull off a close win, it is usually because of the overtime that goaltender Steve Mandanda it putting in for the team.

Therefore, look for Gignac and Sissoko to exploit the weakness in the center of the defense for L’OM (I can’t believe I actually said that).

Still, this Marseille team has the talent and need to turn it around. And this game against Toulouse might just be the key.

In late breaking news, according to Toulouse’s official site, Benoit Cheyrou has been added to the squad for today’s game. Even more that Le Tef will have to worry about.

Prediction: 2-1 Marseille. While I think the Toulouse defense can keep up with L’OM, both teams have a point to prove. And with this game possibly setting up how the rest of their season will go, I have Marseille the nod because of two words…Stade Velodrome.

I have a busy day today, but just wanted to give a little, quick preview in there so I have something.

ALLEZ LE TEF!