The Arsenal heroes ready to kick Tottenham out of the Champions League

Robin Bairner

• 31 Oct 2022 08:43 CDT
• 3 min read

Marseille’s Champions League clash with Tottenham is an all-or-nothing affair.

Victory for either side will guarantee progress in the competition – for Spurs as group winners – while defeat would mean elimination for the French side and a probable exit for Antonio Conte’s men, of whom so much has been expected this season.

The Premier League outfit start as favourites, of course, but after struggling to a 2-0 win at home on the opening night, it is not a fixture that they will take for granted.

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Certainly, in the Marseille side, this match has a special flavour because of the number of former Arsenal players in their ranks. Victory would, therefore, be doubly sweet for OM, who will be backed by a huge crowd at Stade Velodrome.

In total, four former Arsenal players could line up for the hosts:

Sead Kolasinac

Joined Marseille directly from Arsenal in January 2022 after leaving Arsenal by mutual consent following more than 118 appearances with the Emirates club. Was typically used as a left-back by Arsenal but has moved into a role on the left side of a three-man central defensive unit in Marseille, where he has performed to a surprisingly capable standard.

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Nuno Tavares

Presently on loan at Marseille from Arsenal, the 22-year-old Portuguese made a blistering start to life at the Velodrome by scoring three times for OM. Has faded dramatically since and may not start on Tuesday after a wretched performance coming off the bench against Strasbourg on Saturday.

“We’ve prepared videos to analyse his choices. He still has to improve: when and where to pass the ball, when to shoot. He has to work on it,” head coach Igor Tudor said.

Meanwhile, reports coming from France this week suggest there is unhappiness in the Marseille squad at his lack of defensive contribution to the team.

Matteo Guendouzi

The greatest success story of those players who have swapped Arsenal for Marseille in recent years. Guendouzi has successful reignited his top-level career at OM after a falling out with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta. Retains his competitive edge but seems to have more maturity about his game now and a genuine contender to start for France at World Cup 2022 given the injury problems Les Bleus are suffering.

Alexis Sanchez

A huge favourite at the Emirates, where he scored 60 Premier League goals before his career took a nosedive after a move to Manchester United in 2018. Subsequently blew hot and cold with Inter in Italy and moved to Marseille on a free transfer in the summer. Promising start with OM and counts two goals in the Champions League to his credit.