Marseille vs Liverpool preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

Marseille come into this penultimate league-phase fixture riding a wave of confidence.

Back-to-back Champions League wins over Newcastle (2-1) and Union Saint-Gilloise (3-2) have opened up a three-point cushion inside the top 24, leaving Roberto De Zerbi’s side in a strong position heading into the closing rounds.

That dramatic victory over Union SG marked Marseille’s 50th win in the competition and has them eyeing a third consecutive Champions League success for the first time since 2010.

Momentum is also firmly on their side domestically, with the Phocaeans netting an extraordinary 14 goals across their last two league matches.

Add to that a formidable home record – just two defeats at the Velodrome in all competitions this season (W8, D2) – and the hosts will feel this is a major opportunity to strike another blow in Europe.

Liverpool, meanwhile, arrive in southern France knowing a positive result could keep them firmly in the hunt for a top-eight finish.

The Reds sit level on points with the three teams immediately above them after an impressive 1-0 win over Inter Milan last time out in the competition, their 16th victory in the group or league phase across the last 19 Champions League campaigns.

European form away from home has also been a strength under Arne Slot, with Liverpool winning 14 of their last 18 UCL road trips.

However, recent domestic results have taken some of the shine off that run, as four draws in their last five matches — including a frustrating 1-1 stalemate against Burnley at Anfield — have stalled momentum, despite extending their overall unbeaten streak to 12 games.

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Liverpool have enjoyed the better of this matchup historically, winning each of the last three meetings between the sides, most recently in 2008.

However, trips to France have not been especially fruitful for the Reds, who have managed just one win in six visits across all competitions (D2, L3).

Marseille’s 2-1 win over Newcastle earlier this season also ended a long winless run against English opposition.

Marseille will be without Derek Cornelius and Ruben Blanco, who remain sidelined, while Bilal Nadir is expected to be assessed after being forced off late in the win over Angers.

Nayef Aguerd has recently returned from AFCON duty but is unlikely to feature here. Roberto De Zerbi does have midfield options if rotation is required, with Arthur Vermeeren, Angel Gomes and Matt O’Riley all pushing for starts.

Liverpool are missing Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Alexander Isak through injury.

Mohamed Salah has just concluded his Africa Cup of Nations campaign, but his availability for this match remains uncertain. Otherwise, Arne Slot has a strong squad at his disposal for this crucial European trip.

Marseille: Rulli; Murillo, Balerdi, Medina, Emerson; O’Riley, Hojbjerg; Weah, Greenwood, Paixao; Aubameyang

Liverpool: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike

Marseille’s attacking momentum and strong home form suggest they can trouble any side at the Vélodrome, but Liverpool’s European experience and resilience on the road should ensure a tight contest.

Correct score prediction: Marseille 1-1 Liverpool

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Betting tips:

Both teams to score

Under 3.5 goals

Draw or Liverpool double chance