Strasbourg and Marseille are separated by five places in the Ligue 1 table heading into Saturday's round 13 clash at the Stade de la Meinau.
Patrick Vieira's men have not won since late September, while the away side have been defeated in two of their recent three league fixtures.
Match preview
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Having had their visit to Brest a fortnight back postponed, Strasbourg return to domestic action keen to end an extended run without picking up maximum points.
Vieira's team last picked up a victory in a 1-0 triumph against Metz on September 24, meaning they have clocked two months without winning a game in Ligue 1.
Scoring goals have been a bugbear for La Racing, underscored by firing blanks in three of five recent fixtures, a problem they hope changes at La Meinau this weekend.
If that happens, Strasbourg's chances of securing a first home victory since the 2-0 success over Toulouse in August increases.
The hosts have netted one goal in the previous three encounters in front of their supporters, and it remains to be seen if Vieira's men find the back of the net on Saturday as they seek to avoid falling into the bottom three.
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In ideal circumstances, Marseille should be looking forward to this weekend's encounter, but picking up one point from an available nine inspires little confidence.
While Gennaro Gattuso's men have thrived in Europe under their Italian manager, Ligue 1 results have been mixed, with the ex-Napoli boss losing three in five matches since his appointment.
The only league win under the 2006 World Cup winner was a 3-0 triumph over newly promoted Le Havre at the start of October, even if two continental successes have been secured in the preceding two months.
Despite the managerial change, the Olympians remain winless in six road games (four defeats), accruing fewer points than all but Lorient away from home.
That return must change if Marseille are to rise in the standings and if they intend to extend a nine-game undefeated streak against Strasbourg on Saturday.
Team News
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Marvin Senaya was dismissed (two yellows) in Strasbourg's 0-0 draw with Clermont in round 11, and the defender will serve his suspension on Saturday.
Vieira's men are without the injured trio of Dilane Bakwa (hamstring), Thomas Delaine (calf) and Maxime Bastian (muscle) until next month.
Samuel Gigot and Pape Gueye are still suspended by FIFA, leaving Gattuso's Marseille to make do without the unavailable pair.
Francois Mughe is nearing a comeback, but Azzedine Ounahi (thigh) returns in December, while Valentin Rongier (knee) is not expected back until early 2024.
Strasbourg possible starting lineup:
Sels; Guilbert, Nyamsi, Perrin, Sobol; Doukoure, Mwanga; Angelo, Deminguet, Dion; Emegha
Marseille possible starting lineup:
Lopez; Clauss, Mbemba, Balerdi, Lodi; Harit, Veretout, Kondogbia; Ndiaye, Aubameyang, Sarr
We say: Strasbourg 1-1 Marseille
The spoils could be shared at La Meinau on Saturday, with caution taking hold as both sides favour avoiding defeat rather than pushing for maximum points.
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