Monaco test for ambitious Marseille

Olympique de Marseille travel to AS Monaco FC on Sunday with their eyes fixed on a victory that would enhance their hopes of returning to the UEFA Champions League next season.

Unbeaten records
The Stade Louis II has been sold out for days for the visit of a Marseille team fourth in Ligue 1 and undefeated in five matches. They are level on points with fifth-placed Toulouse FC, and four behind RC Lens and FC Girondins be Bordeaux - respectively second and third after winning and drawing yesterday - with the top three earning a route into the UEFA Champions League. It will not be easy, however, against a Monaco side who might only be 13th but who are on a ten-game unbeaten run.

Nasir confidence
"I have always thought we could finish on the podium," said Marseille midfielder Samir Nasri. "I'm convinced we can do it, now more than ever." The Mediterranean club have not solely been on song in the league - a cup final against FC Sochaux-Montbéliard awaits on 12 May, and they warmed up with a 4-2 victory over the same opponents last weekend. Franck Ribéry completed the scoring and Djibril Cissé is delighted at his team-mate's form. "Franck is back on top," he said. "He controls the pace of games for us. When he attacks, we follow and we follow him too when he slows down the game."

Rodriguez return
Averaging 49,000 crowds – the best in France – Marseille will visit a ground with a regular gate of just 11,000. Nonetheless, centre-back Julien Rodriguez, who started his career at the Louis II, is looking forward to returning. "It will be exciting and emotional," the 28-year-old said. "I have not played there since joining Rangers [FC] in June 2005, but I'll feel at home with the Marseille fans."