Ayew Brothers Lead Ghana Contigent In French Ligue 1

Six Ghana internationals are expected to be handed playing times when the French Ligue 1 gets underway on Saturday.

GHANAsoccernet.com previews some of the matches which will be of interest to Ghanaians this weekend.

MARSEILLE VS SOCHAUX

The Ayew brothers kick start their Ligue 1 season with a tricky game against Sochaux at the Stade Velodrome.

Andre, 21, who returned to Marseille training on Wednesday after sustaining a slight injury, is a sure starter.

But 19-year-old Jordan, who signed a new contract for Didier Deschamps’ men, is likely to start from the bench.

The Ayew brothers have been explosive in pre-season with the two scoring a total of five goals.

Victory over Sochaux could prove how Marseille are prepared to put in a challenge for the title they relinquished last season.

In Sochaux’s recent visits, Marseille have won nine and lost three.

BREST VS EVIAN THONON GAILLARD

Elsewhere at the Stade Francis-Le Blé, newly promoted Evian Thonon Gaillard will make their historic Ligue debut against Brest.

Ghana defender Jonathan Mensah is available for selection but the club’s President Patrick Trotignon is worried about the team’s central defence.

“We lack a central defender. That is more problematic and harmful because it takes time to find our rhythm. It has disrupted our preparation.”

Box-to-box midfielder Rabiu Mohammed could start from the bench.

Evian have added some bite to their attack with the acquisition of Sidney Govou but they will struggle for a point in the game.

DIJON VS STADE RENNES

Defender John Boye would seek to improve his statistic with Rennes as they engage promoted Dijon at the Stade Gaston Gérard on Sunday.

The former Kpando Heart of Lions defender broke through the Rennes first team last season and made eight appearances for Frédéric Antonetti’s men.

He however watched both legs of their Uefa Europa Cup triumph over Georgian side fc FC Metalurgi Rustavi.

Rennes could have the better of Dijon but a starting role for Boye cannot be confirmed.

NICE VS LYON

Ghana captain John Mensah will seek to relaunch his Olympique Lyon career with a visit to OG Nice.

Mensah is returning to the Stade Gerland after a double loan spell at English side Sunderland.

The centre-back was impressive in pre-season games for Les Gones and could be handed a starting role as Remi Garde’s side seek to make a winning start.