A very intriguing clash is planned during the Champions League group stage on French soil. Marseille this season hasn't significantly changed the quality of their play, but progress under the leadership of Roberto De Zerbi is evident in matches against strong opponents. Here it's worth recalling the victory over PSG in Ligue 1 or a close match with the Parisians in the French Super Cup. On the European stage, Marseille impressed with a very serious level of football in Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, where the Provençals were just short of earning points, and with a spirited victory over Newcastle United, when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang showed his best qualities. At the same time, Marseille has not yet secured even a Top 24 place. To do this they need to beat at least one of their two upcoming opponents — Liverpool or Brugge. What the Belgian champion is capable of on their home turf this year has convinced many already, which means De Zerbi's players must prepare to win against the Merseyside club. Liverpool will arrive at the Velodrome after yet another stumble in the Premier League. It seems Arne Slot won't be able to restore the level of play of the 'Reds' to what it was last season by the end of the season. Of course, if they even let him finish the season. Bookmakers have made the guests the favorites for the upcoming match, offering odds of 1.92 on their victory.

Marseille in the French championship is already focused on securing a place in the Champions League zone, the gap to PSG and Lens has widened to seven and eight points respectively. Besides the aforementioned good matches in the elite European tournament, the Provençals have also had some poor results. For example, at home Marseille could not even draw with Atalanta (0-1), and in Lisbon they lost to Sporting (1-2). Meanwhile, Liverpool maintains a high standard on the European stage. Despite the total points losses in the English league, in the Champions League the 'Reds' defeated Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, and also dealt with Inter in Milan. Importantly, the Merseyside club has not lost in twelve straight games. Yes, a club of that level should achieve such winning sequences, but as a sign of emerging from a deep crisis the record is already good. Let's bet on the visitors to win.