Prediction: Marseille vs Atalanta

Verdict: Both teams to score

 Best odds: 1.62

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Marseille will play the first leg of a fierce Europa League semifinal doubleheader against Atalanta at the Velodrome Stadium. Before heading to Italy to take on the team that spectacularly eliminated Liverpool, the hosts hope to capitalise on the backing of their supporters.

With more than 60,000 fans pushing OM, La Dea hopes to remain composed in the South of France, just as they did when playing Jurgen Klopp’s club at Anfield. Since there isn’t a clear favourite in this match, a victory at Velodrome could be crucial as the final tickets are set to be distributed at Gewiss Stadium.

Marseille

Marseille’s season has been up and down multiple times without really stabilising. It’s like being on a rollercoaster. After Gennaro Gattuso was fired and Marcelino reappointed, managerial changes ultimately resulted in Jean Louis Gasset taking over with seeming success.

After OM struggled in the bottom part of the table, the seasoned French coach forced them to compete for a spot in the Conference League for the next season. Furthermore, the outstanding French manager inspired his team to peak in the latter parts producing excellent outcomes.

Despite the Olympians’ previous struggles, which included five straight losses in all competitions, Jean Louis Gasset’s team recovered magnificently and moved on from this series. In the second leg of the Europa League quarterfinals against Benfica, OM showed the first recovery signs at the Velodrome Stadium, turning a 1-0 away loss into a 2-0 home victory.

Furthermore, Marseille’s momentum continued as they remained undefeated against Toulouse, Nice, and Lens in their next three Ligue 1 games. The hosts’ decisive victory over Lens at home last Sunday was sufficient to move them close to sixth position despite drawing at Toulouse and Nice.

The French team will have a week off to prepare for the Atalanta second leg played in Italy. This comes after all French teams participating in European events had their internal games postponed by the Ligue 1 board.

Team News

Marseille will start without four players against Atalanta. Due to a damaged kneecap, Valentin Roniger has not played since November and is expected to return at the beginning of the following season. The other two players who are sidelined by the end of the season are Bilal Nadir and Bamo Maite.

Nonetheless, Quentin Merlin, the left back, is scheduled to start on the bench against Atalanta after improving with his ankle injury. Because he is not match fit, the young player will not start.

Atalanta

Atalanta had amazing results both nationally and around Europe, surpassing all expectations. The visitors have a strong chance of making it to the Europa League final and are in the running for a Champions slot in Serie A. They have also qualified for the Coppa Italia. Due to his multi-level squad management expertise, Gian Piero Gasperrini is highly regarded as among the top Italian managers.

The most notable accomplishment of his managerial career so far may have been eliminating Liverpool in the Europa League quarterfinal with a stunning 3-0 victory at Anfield. While Jurgen Klopp’s team was expected to recover in Italy and win the tie, Gassperini’s tactical acumen outclassed Klopp’s.

Atalanta heads to Marseille with increased confidence following the recent home results and emerging victorious against Liverpool. However, although La Dea’s latest low point was losing the first leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal at Fiorentina, with an overwhelming 4-1 victory in the second leg at Gewis Stadium, the visitors secured their spot in the final against Juventus.

Also, the Nerrazzuri trail Roma with two points for the last Champions League spot with a game in hand. Besides, winning against Empoli was the perfect result before heading to South of France where another difficult test awaits Atalanta’s players.

Team News

Following their mid-April injuries, Emil Holm and Rafael Toloi are not anticipated to recuperate for the trip to Marseille. However, the latter is expected to recover his minor muscle stretch injury for the second leg. Replicating the Anfield encounter against Liverpool, Atalanta’s game plan is to take advantage of Marseille’s pressure and deliver a decisive blow on the break.

Key factors to consider

• Marseille and Atalanta are squaring off for the first time in their history
• PSG is the only team to have defeated OM at the Velodrome this term (0-2)
• Atalanta pulled the biggest upset of the Europa League this season by knocking out Liverpool (3-1)
• The visitors reached the Coppa Italia final where they will face Juventus in the final act

Conclusion

This season, Marseille was a formidable opponent at the Velodrome, but Atalanta boasts one of the strongest counterattacks in Europe. We anticipate Marseille, encouraged by their supporters, to play the game on the front foot as Atalanta looks to exploit gaps and score quickly.

Verdict: Both teams to score

 Best odds: 1.62

Bookmaker: ZetBet