STANLEY fans will be hoping the stars come out when they face Marseille in their marquee pre-season friendly tonight.

Andre Villas-Boas’ French giants are in England as part of their build-up to the new campaign and face John Coleman’s side at the AJ Bell Stadium in Salford as work continues on improvements to the Reds’ Wham Stadium home. 

Marseille beat Stoke’s Under-23s in their opening friendly, winning 1-0 in a game played at St George’s Park in Burton, where they have based themselves for training.

Former West Ham United man Dimitri Payet was among the big names involved.

Brazil international Luis Gustavo was also in action in a game that was settled by a Lucas Perrin goal on the hour.

Their squad has been bolstered further by the arrivals in England of their international quartet, given extra time off having been on duty for their countries at the end of the season.

Croatian defender Duje Caleta-Car, Japan full back Hiroki Sakai, French winger Florian Thauvin and Dutch midfielder Kevin Strootman are in training but whether the game against Stanley comes too soon for them remains to be seen.

OM missed out on European qualification last season after finishing fifth in Ligue 1, a full 30 points behind champions Paris Saint-Germain.

They are one of the most decorated clubs in the history of French football though, having won their domestic league title nine times.

Marseille also lifted the European Cup in 1993.

Tickets are still available to purchase for the game, priced £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. 

They are on sale at the club offices at the Wham Stadium until noon today and then need to be bought from the AJ Bell Stadium from 3.30pm onwards.