Three Olympique Marseille players that Lazio will have to watch out for are Dimitri Payet, Bamba Dieng, Matteo Guendouzi.
Both teams have had a slow start to their respective Europa League campaigns, with the Biancocelesti’s one win and one draw being marginally better than the French side’s two draws, meaning that Thursday’s match could prove crucial as both team’s look to escape the Group Stage.
Guendouzi Highlights Olympique Marseille’s Determination to Beat Lazio
The first Olympique Marseille player that Lazio will have to be wary of is no surprise, star Dimitri Payet. The 34-year-old Frenchman is in flying form this season under coach Jorge Sampaoli, having scored four goals and provided three assists in six Ligue 1 appearances so far this season.
The former West Ham man’s trademark flair and set pieces are still core elements of his game, and Lazio’s defence will have to be prepared to deal with his fast feet as he looks to carve out shooting opportunities.
Lazio Have Only Lost to Olympique Marseille Once: The Full History
Another Olympique Marseille player who could cause Lazio trouble is 21-year-old Senegalese forward Bamba Dieng.
The player is one of the many young talents in Sampaoli’s squad and his decisive goals in the win over Monaco last month turned a lot of heads on the southern French coast.
A goal in the win over Stade Rennais the following game confirmed that Dieng does have the potential to shine, and the match against Lazio provides the 21-year-old with the perfect chance to continue his positive start.
Lazio Draw Marseille, Galatasaray & Lokomotiv in Europa League Group Stage
The final Olympique Marseille player that Lazio will have to keep an eye on is former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi.
The 22-year-old Frenchman, who has joined the Ligue 1 side on a loan deal with a conditional obligation to buy clause attached in the summer, has already won over a lot of fans in Marseille.
Guendouzi was given an 8 rating by L’Equipe for his impressive match against Lorient on the weekend, where he scored two goals and provided an assist.
The Frenchman is noted for his progressive passes and carries, being a confident dribbler, and helping to progress the team’s attack quickly up the pitch.