Sports

Saturday February 14, 2009

Marseille bank on Wiltord and Mandanda

PARIS: Striker Sylvain Wiltord’s rebirth and Steve Mandanda’s midweek disappointment for France may be on coach Eric Gerets’ mind as Marseille focus on tomorrow’s south coast derby at Monaco.

Goalkeeper Mandanda showed poor positioning when Argentina’s Jonas Gutierrez opened the scoring in the 2-0 friendly victory over France at Marseille’s Stade Velodrome on Wednesday, and he was less than imperious for Lionel Messi’s second.

French league leaders Lyon host Le Havre tomorrow, as they continue their quest to stave off second-placed Bordeaux, who entertain midtable Grenoble today.

Lyon have 46 points, with Bordeaux and third-placed Paris Saint Germain, who welcome St Etienne to the Parc des Princes in today’s late match, on 42. Marseille, in the UEFA Cup spot of fourth, are a point further back on 41.

Marseille will no doubt be looking over their shoulder in their attempt to qualify for Europe with Toulouse, Lille and Rennes closely challenging within three points of them.

Meanwhile, Marseille’s former Arsenal and France international striker Sylvain Wiltord is, at 34, having a new lease of life at Marseille.

Having signed a new contract in the middle of last month till the end of the season, Gerets has shown faith in the veteran. — AFP

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