Marseille vs Benfica Prediction - Europa League Tips

Marseille vs Benfica Prediction & Betting tip

In what promises to be a riveting clash at Stade Orange Velodrome, the betting tip leans towards a high-scoring affair, with the recommendation being over 2.5 goals.

This is underpinned by both Marseille and Benfica’s proclivity for robust offensive play, as they step onto the pitch with key players displaying fine form. Despite Marseille’s challenges with injuries and a lack of clean sheets, their attacking prowess cannot be underestimated.

On the other hand, Benfica’s impressive goal-scoring record adds weight to the anticipation of a goal-rich game. The favourable clear weather conditions further support a match that’s expected to flow freely, peppered with scoring opportunities.

Marseille vs. Benfica Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Over 2.5 Goals	1.8

• Offensive Strength: Both teams boast formidable attacks, with seasoned strikers in Aubameyang for Marseille and Di Maria for Benfica leading the line.
• Defensive Concerns: Recent matches have highlighted defensive vulnerabilities for both sides, suggesting that the defence may not withstand the offensive onslaught.
• Head-to-Head History: The preceding encounters between the two sides have often produced a wealth of goals, indicating a trend that could very well continue.

Marseille vs Benfica Odds

In the enthralling quarter-final stage of the Europa League, Marseille steps into the gladiatorial ring of Stade Orange Velodrome as the bookmakers’ favourite against the seasoned European campaigners, Benfica.

The odds reflect a closely contested battle where the home side, Marseille, edges out with a slight advantage, indicating a belief in their ability to leverage the home crowd’s energy. Benfica, with odds that suggest they’re not far behind, will certainly eye an opportunity to upset the hosts. Considering the prior results and current form, this could be a lucrative opportunity for punters looking for value beyond the outright winner market.

Marseille vs. Benfica Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Marseille Win	2.37
Draw	3.52
Benfica Win	2.83

Betting enthusiasts and fans alike will be poring over these figures, mapping out potential scenarios as these two titans clash under a serene, clear sky—an ideal setting for those invested in the over 2.5 goals market, with odds sitting temptingly at 1.8.

Marseille Team Analysis

Marseille Recent Performance (LLLDL)

Marseille, walking into the fray with heavy hearts and a desire for redemption, has found itself in a rough patch of form. With a solemn string of results that read more like a cry for tactical reevaluation, they have managed to find the back of the net just three times in their last five outings, an average of 0.60 goals per game, while failing to keep a single clean sheet.

Evidently, the frontline, spearheaded by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, is in dire need of reigniting the spark it once had. Their recent performances, albeit against formidable opponents, suggest a vulnerability that Benfica may be keen to exploit. Please see the recent match outcomes below:

Home team	Away team	Result
Rennes	Marseille	2-0 (Loss)
Marseille	Paris Saint-Germain	0-2 (Loss)
Lille	Marseille	3-1 (Loss)
Villarreal	Marseille	3-1 (Loss)
Benfica	Marseille	2-1 (Loss)

This table lays bare Marseille’s struggle to find form, a concern that will need to be swiftly addressed if they hope to reverse their fortunes in the forthcoming Europa League quarter-final.

Marseille Key Players

Marseille’s hopes rest on the shoulders of their top scorer, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has netted 5 crucial goals in the campaign thus far. With Marseille’s attack misfiring recently, his predatory instincts in front of goal will be vital to turn the tide.

The midfield battle will be key, with Geoffrey Kondogbia’s physical presence and Jordan Veretout’s vision expected to disrupt Benfica’s flow and create openings. Given the injury crises, especially the absence of Quentin Merlin, the defence will rely on the resilience of Chancel Mbemba and the experience of Leonardo Balerdi to hold the fort. The last line-up, likely resembling the expected formation, is as follows:

• Goalkeeper: Pau Lopez
• Defenders: Chancel Mbemba, Samuel Gigot, Leonardo Balerdi
• Midfielders: Geoffrey Kondogbia, Jordan Veretout, Luis Henrique, Amine Harit, Faris Moumbagna
• Attackers: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Marseille Suspensions & Injuries

Marseille is wading through turbulent waters with a string of significant injuries that may impact their quarter-final clash against Benfica. The home side’s bench depth will be truly tested, as a total of six key players remain sidelined. The absence of Quentin Merlin in the left-back position could see shifts within the defensive line-up, potentially unsettling their back four.

Furthermore, the midfield may lack some dynamism without Valentin Rongier, as they are ready to face the b Benfica midfield. The onus will fall on Kondogbia and Veretout to steady the ship in this crucial encounter.

Marseille Player Injuries
Valentin Rongier	Knee surgery	Late April 2024
Bilal Nadir	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season
Bamo Meïté	Ankle injury	Out for season
Jean Onana	Muscle injury	Late April 2024
Ismaïla Sarr	Hamstring Injury	Late April 2024
Jonathan Clauss	Hamstring Injury	Late April 2024
Quentin Merlin	Ankle injury	Mid May 2024

Marseille has been fortunate to avoid suspensions for this match, which offers a silver lining amid their injury woes.

Marseille Tactics and Formation

Marseille’s tactical setup has shown variability in their recent matches, but they have frequently deployed a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to balance a sturdy defence with a versatile attack. Without the injured Quentin Merlin, their defence might need to adapt and rely more heavily on the remaining backline, including stalwarts Mbemba and Gigot.

In midfield, the absence of Valentin Rongier could lead to Kondogbia taking on a more prominent role, teaming up with Jordan Veretout to try and dictate the pace of the game and break down Benfica’s plays. The trio in the middle will have to work tirelessly to contain Benfica’s midfield dynamism and provide support to their attacking line.

Their forward trio is expected to be spearheaded by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the team’s top scorer. His experience and poise in front of the goal will be crucial. Flanking him, the youthful exuberance of Harit and Moumbagna might provide the necessary width and creativity to break through Benfica’s defensive ranks.

Marseille’s strategic emphasis may involve exploiting the wings, utilizing speed and crosses into the box, coupled with Aubameyang’s predatory instincts to maximize their goal-scoring opportunities. Despite recent injuries influencing their usual formation and personnel, their approach is expected to remain attack-minded, playing to the strengths of their key forward.

Benfica Team Analysis

Benfica Recent Performance (DWLWW)

Benfica’s recent form in the build-up to the Europa League Quarter Finals is a blend of resilience and aggression. The impressive tally of 1.80 goals per match in their last five outings speaks volumes about their attacking prowess. Coupled with this, they’ve managed to keep their sheet clean in 2 of those encounters, showcasing a strength in defence that marries well with their offensive endeavours.

Their sole loss, a tightly fought battle with Sporting CP, can be considered a hiccup in an otherwise stellar run of results. Benfica’s current form places them as formidable opponents as they step into the cauldron of competition at the Stade Orange Velodrome.

Home team	Away team	Result
Benfica	Sporting CP	1-2 (Loss)
Moreirense	Benfica	0-3 (Win)
Benfica	Chaves	1-0 (Win)
Benfica	Sporting CP	2-2 (Draw)
Benfica	Marseille	2-1 (Win)

Benfica Key Players

Benfica’s key figures are set to play a pivotal role in the forthcoming clash against Marseille, with their top scorer, Angel Di Maria, having found the net 4 times this season, poised to navigate through the defensive ranks of the opposition.

He, alongside the likes of David Neres and Joao Mario in midfield, is expected to drive the creative force of the team. The expected lineup, mirroring their recent tactics, will likely see:

• Goalkeeper: Samuel Soares
• Defenders: Alexander Bah, Alvaro Carreras, Tomas Araujo, Morato
• Midfielders: Joao Neves, Joao Mario, David Neres, Orkun Kokcu, Tiago Gouveia
• Attackers: Arthur Cabral

The duel to watch could be between Di Maria and Marseille’s backline, including the likes of Leonard Balerdi. Their ability to curtail his influence might just be the determinant of a tight-knit game. With no fresh injuries or suspensions to worry about, the Lisbon giants come into the game with confidence in their ranks.

Benfica Suspensions & Injuries

Benfica’s squad solidity will be slightly tested as they step onto the pitch of Stade Orange Velodrome. Their strategic setup has to account for the absence of Juan Bernat, who is battling physical discomfort.

While the injury list isn’t extensive, Bernat’s experience could have been invaluable in such a high-stakes game. This might prompt the team’s tactician to adjust formations or strategize alternative defensive tactics.

Benfica Player Injuries
Player	Injury	Expected return
Juan Bernat	Physical discomfort	Doubtful

Thankfully for the away side, no suspensions weigh down their roster, allowing for strategic freedom in selecting the starting lineup. This near-full-strength team must capitalize on their mostly injury-free situation to keep their Europa League ambitions fiercely alive against a determined Marseille side.

Benfica Tactics and Formation

Benfica’s robust approach towards the beautiful game promises an enticing quarter-final clash at Stade Orange Velodrome. Their preference for a 4-2-3-1 formation has been consistent, a tactical setup that offers both stability in defence and fluidity in attack.

Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Arthur Cabral, a potent force upfront with keen positional awareness.
• Midfield Pivot: Joao Neves and Joao Mario, orchestrate play and shield the backline.
• Attacking Trio: David Neres, Orkun Kokcu, and Tiago Gouveia are expected to support the leading striker, interchanging positions and creating scoring opportunities.
• Defensive Strength: Benfica arrives with two clean sheets from their last five outings, a testament to their defensive coordination and resilience.

Their tactician will likely employ a high-pressing strategy, aiming to disrupt Marseille’s rhythm and regain possession quickly. While the focus on attacking prowess is evident in their 1.80 average goals scored per game, Benfica must also be wary of their backline to minimize the threat posed by Marseille’s top scorer, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Marseille vs Benfica Head-to-Head Statistics

The upcoming encounter between Marseille and Benfica carries with it the heavy weight of history, as these two teams have faced off on multiple occasions. The head-to-head record tilts slightly in favour of Benfica, who have emerged victorious three times, while Marseille has claimed victory once, alongside a draw.

Here’s how their last five encounters have unfolded:

Marseille vs Benfica Head-to-Head
Home	Away	Result
Benfica	Marseille	2-1
Marseille	Benfica	2-1
Benfica	Marseille	1-1
Marseille	Benfica	0-2
Marseille	Benfica	1-2