Phil Lythell
Sport News 24/7Marseille and Auxerre to serve up Christmas feast
By Phil Lythell, on 16th December 2009, 13:22 UTC
The last round of fixtures before Christmas in Ligue 1 sees an intriguing encounter between Marseille and Auxerre at the Stade Velodrome.
The two teams are placed fourth and fifth respectively at the time of writing and a win before the league goes on its winter break would be a real boon to each club.
Marseille find themselves six points behind leaders Bordeaux but with a game in hand. They are currently level on points with Auxerre and third placed Lille though they have two matches in hand over them both.
The form of striker Mamadou Niang will be vital to their push with the Senegal international the top goalscorer at the club. His playing partner Brandao has failed to sparkle this season and manager Didier Deschamps will be hoping he gets some shooting boots from Santa Claus.
Auxerre's success has been based on a mean defence with only Toulouse and Bordeaux conceding less than their 14 goals. In contrast, they have scored the least out of any of the teams in the top twelve and they will need to find some goals from somewhere if they want to turn a promising start into a good campaign.
A potent attack against a miserly back four - something has got to give.
Tickets for Marseille v Auxerre are still available with prices starting at £45.
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