Preview: Marseille vs Liverpool - prediction, team news, lineups

[(Olympique de Marseille) Strength]:
1. Olympique de Marseille are currently ranked 16th in the Champions League legaue phase, with a 3-point gap from the top eight direct qualification spots. The team must seize the last two rounds to compete for direct qualification, so their motivation for this home match against Liverpool F.C. is absolutely high.
2. Olympique de Marseille's squad is relatively complete, with no major impact on the core structure except for the absence of forward Neal Maupay.
3. Olympique de Marseille have been in stable form recently, with 6 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses in their last 10 matches across all competitions. They have secured victories in their last two cup and league matches.
4. Olympique de Marseille performed excellently at home in the league this season, with 6 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss in 9 matches so far. In the Champions League, they have achieved 2 wins and 1 loss at home.
5. Olympique de Marseille's performance in the Champions League league phase has improved, with two consecutive wins against Newcastle United F.C. and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in their last two matches.
6. Olympique de Marseille's recent performance in AH has been stable, winning 6 of their last 10 matches and their last two Champions League matches.

[(Olympique de Marseille) Weakness]:
1. Olympique de Marseille's offense and defense have been imbalanced in the Champions League league phase, scoring 11 goals but conceding 8 in their last 6 matches.
2. Olympique de Marseille lost all three of their recent Champions League encounters with Liverpool F.C., giving them no psychological advantage.

[(Liverpool F.C.) Strength]:
1. Liverpool F.C. performed poorly in the Premier League recently, gradually falling out of the title race. Therefore, they may shift their focus to the Champions League. Currently ranked 9th, they have yet to secure a direct qualification spot. They will definitely go all out to secure three points in this match and strive to break into the top eight.
2. Liverpool F.C. performed excellently in the Champions League, with 4 wins and 2 losses in their last 6 matches, including victories against top teams like Inter Milan and Real Madrid CF.
3. Liverpool F.C.'s offense has been outstanding in the Champions League, scoring 11 goals in their last 6 matches, averaging nearly 2 goals per game.
4. Liverpool F.C. performed well away from home in the Champions League, winning 3 of their last 4 away matches, demonstrating solid performance on the road.
5. Liverpool F.C. won all three of their recent Champions League matches against Olympique de Marseille, including two away victories, giving them a certain psychological edge.

[(Liverpool F.C.) Weakness]:
1. For Liverpool F.C., forward Alexander Isak and defender Conor Bradley are injured and unavailable, while young player Stefan Bajcetic and defender Giovanni Leoni are also sidelined with long-term injuries.
2. Liverpool F.C. held to a draw by relegation-threatened Burnley F.C. at home in the last round of the Premier League. They have drawn 4 of their last 5 matches, indicating their overall competitive form is not at its best.
3. Liverpool F.C.'s recent performance in AH has been poor, losing 5 of their last 6 matches and having only 40% win rate in their last 10 Champions League matches.

[Tips]:
Olympique de Marseille have been very stable at home in both the league and the Champions League this season.

The team still need to compete for more points to secure a top-eight position, so they will definitely go all out in this match.

Recently, the team won two consecutive games, showing a resurgence in form.

Players such as Mason Greenwood, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Emerson Palmier, and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg have all played in the Premier League for many years, providing ample experience.

Liverpool F.C. have recently been stuck in a series of draws, with their offensive performance being unstable.

Arne Slot's possession-based tactics have also been questioned.

Marseille's counter-attacking speed and breakthrough ability may cause significant trouble for the Reds.

Based on the analysis, this match is recommended as Marseille to avoid defeat at home.

[Recommended]:
Olympique de Marseille (+0.5)