Marseille vs Villarreal Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips
Marseille vs Villarreal Preview
Marseille defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 5-3 on aggregate in the playoff round, with goals from Ismaila Sarr and Geoffrey Kondogbia in the second half securing the French side’s spot in the Europa League last-16. The hosts’ triumph was a notable response to manager Gennaro Gattuso’s recent resignation, which followed a seven-game losing streak across all competitions.
Marseille have won every match this season while playing at home, where they have been unbeatable. We hope that the players for the French team will get back on their feet on Thursday and accomplish their goal, encouraged by the support of their home fans.
In contrast, Villarreal play with greater assurance in the Europa League than in the domestic competition. Villarreal has had remarkable success in the European Arena in recent years. They defeated Manchester United in the final of the 2020–21 UEFA Europa League, and they advanced to the UEFA Champions League semifinals in the 2021–22 campaign.
Marseille vs Villarreal Team News
While Amir Murillo (muscle), Bilal Nadir (ACL) and Valentin Rongier (knee) are still in the treatment room, Jonathan Clauss returned from a one-match league suspension over the weekend and is expected to be called up to right back.
So, if Gasset decides to start both Chancel Mbemba and Leonardo Balerdi in central defense, Samuel Gigot may have to make way, and Quentin Merlin, who signed in January, should continue at left back.
Jordan Veretout may once more find himself surrounded in midfield by Geoffrey Kondogbia and Amine Harit, while Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr are expected to provide support for Aubameyang, who has scored three goals in his past two outings.
Due to injuries, Villarreal will be without Yeremy Pino, Denis Suarez, Juan Foyth, Ramon Terrats and Alfonso Pedraza for the Europa League game. However, Jorge Cuenca will return after serving a suspension during the team’s 5-1 victory over Granada.
Goncalo Guedes would join Gerard Moreno in the final third, allowing head coach Marcelino to choose the same starting lineup that faced Real Sociedad two weeks prior.
Alongside players like Dani Parejo, Etienne Capoue, and Alexander Sorloth in central midfield, Santi Comesana who scored twice against Real Sociedad can be included.
Marseille vs Villarreal Predicted Lineups
Marseille Predicted XI:
Lopez; Meite, Gigot, Mbemba, Merlin, Ounahi, Kondogbia, Clauss, Harit, Moumbagna, Aubameyang
Villarreal Predicted XI:
Jorgensen; Moreno, Mosquera, Albiol, Kiko, Baena, Coquelin, Comesana, Akhomach, Guedes, Moreno
Also Read: Benfica starlet Joao Neves takes field in Europa League days after mother’s death
Marseille vs Villarreal Head-to-Head
Thursday’s meeting between Marseille and Villarreal will be the first time these two teams square off in a competitive match. They previously played in club friendlies in 2018 and 2021.
Marseille vs Villarreal Prediction
The two teams almost have identical records in the league structure but somehow keep pace in the European competitions. Both teams will look to keep a strong hand in the defence as they will look for a place in the last eight. We predict a scoring draw for both sides in the first leg of the competition.
Prediction: Marseille 1-1 Villarreal
Marseille vs Villarreal Betting Tips and Odds
Marseille vs Villarreal Betting Tips
Goal Scored (Conceded): 10/4
Games over 2.5 goals: 2/5
Both teams scored: 4/5
Marseille vs Villarreal Odds
- Marseille Win: 4/5
- Draw: 4/3
- Villarreal Win: 2/1
Marseille vs Villarreal Timings & Telecast
- Date & Time: Thursday, March 7 at 8:00 PM (GMT).
- India: Sony Sports Network, Sony Liv App
- USA: CBS Network
- France: Canal+, M6, RMC Sport
- Spain: Movistar+
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