Lens-Marseille preview: Gattuso keeping faith with Aubameyang | OneFootball

Whilst Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is yet to find his scoring shoes since his summer arrival from Chelsea, he retains the support of Marseille manager Gennaro Gattuso.

RC Lens - Olympique de Marseille

- Kick-off: 19:45 GMT

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The Gabonese striker has shown promise in European competition, scoring four goals in five games across the Champions League and Europa League, however, that form has not been replicated in Ligue 1 Uber Eats.

In 10 games, he has just one goal, scored at the Vélodrome against Le Havre. He was substituted in the second-half of last weekend's draw against Lille and left the pitch to a chorus of boos from the home support.

Watch: Highlights of Marseille's goalless draw against Lille

"Gattuso, who replaced Marcelino in September, understood fans' frustration, but sought to support his striker. I will always defend my players, not just Aubameyang. Today, supporters booed Aubamayeng's exit. But also the team and myself. Because they weren't happy, we have to accept it," said the Italian after the 0-0 draw against Les Dogues.

Vitinha or Aubameyang?

He added, "Today, we can't give up because we're whistled. The supporters are always right, they paid for their tickets, if they don't appreciate what we do we have to accept that."

Aubameyang missed Marseile's midweek Europa League victory over AEK Athens through injury and he is also a doubt to face Lens on Sunday night. Vitinha deputised for the former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea forward in Greece and he may have to do so again at the Bollaert.

Adrien Thomasson knows who he'd prefer to start. "I'd prefer to play against Vitinha, but he can't go and score two goals against us," joked the Lens midfielder, who is aware of the threat that the veteran striker still poses.

Watch: Highlights of Lens' 0-0 draw at Lorient

"Our defenders are programmed to be 1-v-1 against players, and against this kind of player, it's always dangerous and difficult. I have seen Aubameyang's stats and he is still very, very fast," added Thomasson ahead of the fixture.

One player who is certain to miss the tie is captain Valentin Rongier, who requires surgery on a knee injury and could be set for a lengthy absence. Azzedine Ounahi also looks set to miss out, meaning that Gattuso is not exactly blessed with options in the middle of the park.

'We are going in the right direction' - Haise

Lens don't have any fresh injury concerns, but will be looking to bounce back from midweek Champions League disappointment. Like their opponents, Marseille, Lens have not managed to replicate last season's form. They finished second and third respectively, but both teams currently sit in ninth and tenth and are only separated by goal difference.

Domestically, Lens are undefeated in their last nine matches, having drawn against Lorient last weekend and Franck Haise is therefore seeing progress. "We're conceding few goals, fewer and fewer. That means things are going in the right direction after our difficult start to the season," said Lens' manager last weekend. He will be hoping that his side can extend that run when Marseille visit on Sunday evening.

Possible teams

Lens: Samba; Gradit, Danso, Medina; Frankowski, Mendy, Abdul Samed, Machado; Sotoca, Fulgini; Wahi

Marseille: Lopez; Clauss, Mbemba, Balerdi, Lodi; Kondogbia, Harit, Veretout; Sarr, Vitinha, Ndiaye