His midfield has been hit by Edouard Cisse having his contract terminated amid media speculation of a move to Auxerre while Lucho Gonzalez is being linked with Arsenal.
Their early season form has been utterly eclectic, brilliant at times but awful at others, as both Sochaux and Auxerre secured unexpected points.
"It won't be easy for OM on Sunday because Saint-Etienne are coming as leaders and will play without any fear. It's more tricky for Marseille because they are under pressure to get a win," former France and Marseille defender turned pundit Manuel Amoros was quoted as saying on www.om.net.
The 2010 champions have at least been boosted by striker Andre-Pierre Gignac's return to full training after injury and the knowledge that other Ligue 1 big guns Lille, Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyon have also had shaky starts to the season.
