Balogun and Weah Face Off as Marseille Hosts Monaco
Sunday's Ligue 1 clash between Marseille and Monaco at Stade Velodrome will feature two American internationals seeking to lift their respective teams out of recent domestic struggles. Tim Weah's Marseille will host Folarin Balogun's Monaco in a match critical for both clubs' European ambitions.
Third-placed Marseille enters having dropped points in consecutive league matches, falling five points behind leaders Lens after a 1-0 defeat at Lille. Despite the recent stumbles, Roberto De Zerbi's side remains unbeaten at home in the domestic league this season, winning five of seven fixtures while scoring 23 goals at the Velodrome. Weah has contributed one goal and one assist across 12 Ligue 1 appearances, providing width and pace in Marseille's attack.
Monaco arrives on Sunday riding momentum from Wednesday's Champions League victory over Galatasaray, where Balogun scored his third consecutive European goal to make USMNT history. However, Sébastien Pocognoli's seventh-placed squad has struggled for consistency, losing three straight away matches in Ligue 1 and conceding in 11 consecutive road games dating back to last season.
Balogun has been Monaco's brightest spark with four league goals in 11 matches, though just one point separates them from Europa League qualification. The 24-year-old striker will look to carry his Champions League form into domestic competition against a Marseille defense that has shown vulnerability despite their home dominance.
Both Americans face pivotal moments as their clubs chase European qualification, with Marseille's perfect home record and Monaco's road woes setting the stage for an intriguing encounter. Kickoff is set for Sunday evening as Marseille seeks to avoid three consecutive winless league matches for the first time since March.
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