Marseille manager Marcelo Bielsa has left Andre Ayew on the bench for their opening game of the Ligue 1 season against Bastia on Saturday night.

The Ghanaian forward, who has been linked with a move away from the club in recent weeks, has missed out due to the selection of Dimitri Payet and Romain Alessandrini, who will operate on the wings to provide support for Andre-Pierre Gignac.

Guillaume Gillet makes his debut for Bastia as head coach Claude Makelele begins his reign by looking to frustrate the visitors with a congested midfield.

Brandao will start in attack for the hosts, with Floyd Ayite trusted to link up with the striker from a deeper role.

Bastia: Areola; Squillaci, Romaric, Palmieri, Diakite; Boudebouz, Cahuzac, Gillet, Ayite; Maboulou

Marseille: Mandanda; Nkoulou, Sparanga, Morel, Mendy; Djadjedje, Thauvin, Payet, Alessandrini, Imbula; Gignac