Marseille – Metz is set to kick off on Friday at 21: 05 ET, with Mason Greenwood back in the starting XI after serving a suspension in Marseille’s 2-1 defeat at Monaco last weekend. Leonardo Balerdi is also back in the lineup after starting on the bench against Monaco. The Marseille camp is also dealing with notable absences, including Nayef Aguerd, Geoffrey Kondogbia and Egan-Riley.
Marseille – Metz comes with key changes
Marseille – Metz arrives at a tense moment for the home side, which is trying to steady itself after a mixed run. The clearest immediate news is the return of Greenwood and Balerdi, two players whose presence changes the look of the team from the start.
Greenwood had been suspended for the trip to Monaco, where Marseille lost 2-1. His return is one of the main points of interest for the match, especially as Marseille looks for a stronger response in front of its supporters on Friday night ET.
Balerdi’s return is also significant after he was used as a substitute against Monaco. With Aguerd, Kondogbia and Egan-Riley unavailable, Marseille’s options are thinner in parts of the squad, and that makes the starting choices for Marseille – Metz even more important.
Beye’s message to the supporters
Habib Beye used his Thursday news conference to address the mood around the club and the frustration felt by supporters. His message was direct: he said he understands the sadness and the disappointment, while stressing that people remain free to decide whether they come to the stadium or not.
“I understand the sadness, ” Beye said. “If you are a subscriber, you love the club in good times and bad times. I do not judge someone who does not come. We love a club but people are free to do what they want. The season is long, there have been scenarios… Some people have also appreciated what we are doing. I hope there will be many people so we can get that extra soul. We will rely on them, on those who love OM even if they may be frustrated right now. ”
That message matters because Marseille – Metz is being played against a backdrop of frustration, but also with a chance to reset the tone. The coach is asking for energy from the stands while the team tries to answer on the pitch.
The wider picture around Marseille
Marseille enters this match in fourth place in Ligue 1, and the season has been described as sharply uneven after exits from both the Coupe de France and the Champions League. That context explains why every league game now carries added weight.
Friday’s match is therefore not just about three points. It is also about whether the team can show a stronger collective response, with Greenwood and Balerdi back in the side and Beye openly asking for the crowd to play its part in Marseille – Metz.
