Champions League: Marseille vs Liverpool – Betting Tips, Odds & Prediction

Marseille take on Liverpool this Thursday morning (New Zealand time) in a Champions League clash that has plenty on the line for both sides at Orange Velodrome.

The visitors are aiming for the top eight, while the hosts are scrapping to climb into the knockout spots. With all the ingredients for a classic, can Marseille keep their momentum after they dished out a weekend thumping, or will Liverpool rediscover their ruthlessness under Arne Slot?

I’ve pulled together all you need to know in this Marseille vs Liverpool preview, from team news to stats and everything in between. If you fancy a $6.50 return on NZ betting sites this week, then keep reading.

Marseille

Marseille are finally clicking and come into this fixture off the back of a massive 5-2 win against Angers. 

My hot take is they’re way better than their 16th-place standing in the Champions League suggests. Igor Paixao is looking dangerous, with four goals already in this tournament. Tactically, it helps that he knows Arne Slot well from their time together at Feyenoord. Mason Greenwood’s also finding his feet in France. Throw in Aubameyang too, they’ve got plenty of goals in them. 

If they can bring the same energy they had against Angers to the Velodrome, I reckon they’ll give Liverpool a massive headache. They just need to keep things tight at the back, which hasn’t always been their strong suit lately.

Team News: Benjamin Pavard is a doubt with a minor issue, but otherwise, they’ve got a healthy squad.

Predicted Lineup: Rulli; Murillo, Aguerd, Emerson; Weah, Vermeeren, Hojbjerg, O’Riley; Paixao, Greenwood, Aubameyang.

Liverpool

Liverpool haven’t looked right for a few weeks now. Sure, they’re ninth and look safe enough, but draws against Burnley and Fulham have done them no favours.
 
I’m not convinced Slot’s found his groove with the side yet. The standoff with Salah seems to have had quite an impact, and losing Alexander Isak to injury is a massive blow. Without Isak’s pace and clinical finishing, they’ve looked a bit toothless.

I’m picking they’ll struggle in the atmosphere of the Velodrome. It’s a cauldron, and this Liverpool side hasn’t shown the grit needed for tough away days lately. You’ll find plenty of betting apps suggesting they’re favourites, but I’m not buying it.

Team News: Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni are all out. Owen Beck is also sidelined.

Predicted Lineup: Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.

• Liverpool have won the last three meetings between these sides, though the most recent was in 2008.
• Marseille have won their last two matches across all competitions, scoring 14 goals in the process.
• Both teams have scored in four of Liverpool’s last six away fixtures.
• Igor Paixao has scored in two of Marseille’s last three Champions League matches.
  Liverpool have failed to win three of their last five matches in all competitions.

I’m going against the grain here. Everyone’s backing Liverpool because of the name, but I’ve watched their recent matches and they’re flat. Marseille, meanwhile, are playing lights-out football. Plus, the crowd at the Orange Velodrome is worth a goal on its own.

That’s why I’m predicting Marseille to pull off a massive upset. The tactical clash between Roberto De Zerbi and Arne Slot should favour Marseille. They excel at drawing the opposition into a high press to create space behind, which is a major concern for a Liverpool team that has appeared defensively disjointed during their recent run of draws.

I can see Paixao and Greenwood having a field day. It won’t be a clean sheet, because Liverpool still have quality, but I’m picking the home side to edge it. A 2-1 win for Marseille is my call.

Marseille to Win and Both Teams to Score @ $6.50

I’m going for a proper payday with this one. Marseille are scoring heaps right now, but they can’t defend to save their lives. Liverpool have enough individual quality to get on the scoresheet, but I reckon they’ll be overwhelmed by the occasion. 

Marseille’s home form is decent, and they’ve got a point to prove against one of the big boys. Getting $6.50 at Bet and Play for a home win with BTTS is great value. It’s the perfect high-value play on football betting sites for a Thursday morning in the Champions League.