The UEFA Champions League (UCL) returns this week with Marseille welcoming Liverpool to the Orange Velodrome on Wednesday night. Both teams are currently between ninth and 24th place in the table at the time of writing, which would put them in the knockout play-offs.
Liverpool are currently closest to finishing in the top eight come the eighth matchday, which would book them an automatic place in the next round. Still, Marseille are only three points behind them, and so a win for the hosts here would shake things up ahead of the final round of fixtures next week.
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Marseille vs Liverpool prediction: Both sides to settle on a score-draw?
Key stats
- Both teams have an identical For and Against goal record ahead of matchday seven (F11, A8).
- Marseille have lost just once after 90 minutes in seven games in all competitions.
- Liverpool are unbeaten in 12 matches across all competitions, but six have been draws.
Correct score prediction: Marseille 1-1 Liverpool
While Liverpool are on a long unbeaten streak, they have hardly been convincing, which could open the door for a Marseille side who have won their last two matches. Nonetheless, we feel this could be a cagey affair with so much still at stake.
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Pre-game odds and win probability: Liverpool favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 11/4 (3.75) – 26.7%
- DRAW: 14/5 (3.80) – 26.3%
- AWAY: 17/20 (1.85) – 54.1%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Liverpool have been installed as the favourites to claim what would feel like a crucial three points in France. Interestingly, both a draw and a Marseille win are separated by just 0.4%.
Also, feel free to check out our dedicated Today’s betting tips page, as well as our Today’s Champions League predictions & betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Mixed bag
Both teams have played each other six times before, although have not met since 2008. Liverpool have won the last three meetings, although Marseille have won twice and there has also been one draw.
Marseille preview: Too soon for Aguerd
Nayef Aguerd can now return to Marseille after losing the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Morocco, but this game should come too soon for him. Derek Cornelius and Ruben Blanco are also injured for the hosts.
Predicted lineup: Rulli (GK); Murillo, Balerdi, Medina, Emerson; O'Riley, Hojbjerg; Weah, Greenwood, Paixao & Aubameyang
Last five results:
- Angers 2-5 Marseille
- Bayeux 0-9 Marseille
- PSG 3-2 Marseille
- Marseille 0-2 Nantes
- Bourg en Bresse 0-6 Marseille
Liverpool preview: Will Salah play?
Similar to Aguerd, Mohamed Salah has just returned from AFCON, although he has had an extra day to prepare since Egypt played in the third-place play-off. It is unlikely that he will start though given the short turnaround, while Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Alexander Isak are all injured.
Predicted lineup: Alisson (GK); Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gakpo & Ekitike
Last five results:
- Liverpool 1-1 Burnley
- Liverpool 4-1 Barnsley
- Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
- Fulham 2-2 Liverpool
- Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
Player to watch: Mason Greenwood
Mason Greenwood scored twice in the UCL last time out, and now boasts nine goals in his last seven appearances for Marseille in all competitions. Liverpool will do well to keep him quiet in France.