Marseille v Liverpool – Line-ups, stats and preview
Marseille take on Liverpool this coming Wednesday in the Champions League. Read our in-depth preview here
Table of Contents
Match Preview for Marseille v Liverpool
Marseille and Liverpool meet at the Orange Velodrome on Wednesday evening with both sides firmly in the race for automatic qualification to the Champions League last 16.
Les Olympiens are targeting a third consecutive victory in Europe’s premier competition, while Liverpool arrive in southern France seeking a response after a frustrating domestic setback at the weekend.
The Champions League has often provided Liverpool with respite from their uneven domestic campaign, and Arne Slot’s side once again delivered on the continental stage on matchday six with a hard-fought 1-0 win away to Inter Milan.
That victory left the reigning Premier League champions level on points and goal difference with Atletico Madrid, although Liverpool currently sit outside the top eight due to an inferior goals-scored tally, with Real Madrid and Inter also locked on 12 points.
Marseille, meanwhile, continue to embrace an attack-first identity under Roberto De Zerbi and arrive in a confident mood after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise on matchday six, inspired by a Mason Greenwood brace.
Speaking ahead of the game, the head coach addressed rumours that he is in the running for the Manchester United job in the summer, thanks to Marseille’s good form: “My focus is on Marseille, I have no space to think about another thing. I feel good in this city but we need to speak in the next months, in the next year I don’t know.”
Team news for Marseille v Liverpool
Liverpool are monitoring the availability of Mohamed Salah, who has just concluded his Africa Cup of Nations campaign, although it remains unclear whether the forward will be ready to feature on Wednesday.
Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Alexander Isak are all ruled out through injury, but the visitors otherwise travel with a strong squad.
Alexis Mac Allister and Andy Robertson could be recalled to the starting lineup after being rested at the weekend, as Slot considers freshening up his side for the demanding test in France.
Marseille will soon welcome back Nayef Aguerd following international duty, but the defender is not expected to be involved here.
Derek Cornelius and Ruben Blanco remain sidelined, while Bilal Nadir was withdrawn late against Angers but is not believed to have suffered a serious injury.
Arthur Vermeeren, Angel Gomes and Matt O’Riley are all options in midfield should changes be required, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Igor Paixao are pushing for starting roles in attack.
Expected line-ups for Marseille v Liverpool
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
How to watch Marseille v Liverpool: TV channel, online stream
Marseille v Liverpool will take place on Wednesday evening at the Orange Velodrome, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm (UK time).
The match will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports, with coverage available on TNT Sports 2.
An online stream will be accessible via discovery+ on supported devices.
The stats for Marseille v Liverpool
- Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 12 matches in all competitions
- The Reds are level on points with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League standings
- Marseille have scored in five of their six Champions League fixtures this season
- Les Olympiens are seeking three straight Champions League wins for the first time since 2010-11
- Liverpool won both meetings between the sides in the 2008-09 Champions League
Prediction
Marseille
Liverpool
Liverpool should find more space against an attack-minded Marseille side than they did against Burnley, which may suit their strengths in transition.
However, with the hosts boasting significant depth in forward areas and a strong home atmosphere, an open contest could see the points shared in an entertaining encounter.
What To Do If You Have A Gambling Problem
We understand that gambling can be fun, but it is always important to gamble responsibly. If you are struggling with a gambling problem, please do not hesitate to ask for help. There are people who can help you get on the road to recovery. Below, we have listed some helpful resources to help aid you on the road to recovery.
- National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133
- GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk
- GambleAware: www.gambleaware.com