Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to extend on their charge for a Champions League knockout stage ticket, Newcastle will travel to the Stade Velodrome on Tuesday night when they meet Marseille.
Marseille
Starting with the hosts, marking their return from November’s international break with a sensational 5-1 romp away at Nice over the weekend, Marseille will be dreaming of a repeat performance here. However, although Roberto De Zerbi’s men might be in the midst of a stellar Ligue 1 flurry, Les Phoceens have drastically failed to find their feet while on the continent. Getting their Champions League adventure underway with a 2-1 defeat away at 15-time European champions Real Madrid, the former Brighton boss has seen his squad lose three of their first four group stage appearances. Desperate to get their knockout stage charge back on track in midweek, Marseille are also searching for some crucial defensive steel. Including another 2-1 European loss against Sporting Lisbon on October 22nd, De Zerbi’s side have registered just a pair of clean sheets from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions.
Marseille Team News
Missing out against Nice over the weekend after picking up a recent groin injury, Marseille are expected to be without summer recruit and former West Ham star Nayef Aguerd here. Likewise, not featuring since the end of September, Argentinian defender Facundo Medina remains on the sidelines with an ankle issue.
Bagging a Ligue 1 brace on Friday night and registering 11 goals across all competitions so far this season, ex-Manchester United youngster Mason Greenwood will lead the line in midweek. Making a real impact after completing a Deadline Day switch from Inter Milan, Benjamin Pavard will start at the heart of De Zerbi’s defence.
Newcastle
As for the visitors, claiming what was a much-welcomed boost over the weekend as they marked their return from November’s international break with a stellar 2-1 win at home against Manchester City, Newcastle will be looking to use that performance as a platform to build on. However, although it might have been suggested that Eddie Howe has found some recent pressure on his shoulders, the Magpies are enjoying a real Champions League fairytale. Last seen in European action securing a deserved 2-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao, the former Bournemouth boss has seen his squad win three of their first four group stage appearances. Although Newcastle should be excited by a trip to France in midweek, Tuesday’s guests have continued to show some real issues away from St. James’ Park. In fact, Howe’s camp have lost their last three straight showdowns on the road by an aggregate score of 8-3.
Newcastle Team News
Once again missing out against Manchester City over the weekend, Newcastle will once again be without former Everton star Anthony Gordon here. However, despite serving a domestic suspension on Saturday evening, fellow England international Dan Burn could be handed a full recall in midweek.
Bagging both goals against Man City at St. James’ Park, Harvey Barnes should keep his spot from the start and will partner summer receipt Nick Woltemade. Impressing since completing a permanent switch from Italian giants AC Milan back in August, Malick Thiaw will start at the heart of Howe’s defence.
Marseille vs Newcastle Key Factors to Consider
- Newcastle have registered nine points from their first four Champions League appearances.
- Marseille have lost three of their opening four European showdowns this season.
- The Magpies have lost their last three consecutive matchups away from St. James’ Park by an aggregate score of 8-3.
- In fact, Newcastle have registered just a single victory on their travels across all competitions since the start of April.
- Continuing on from last season, Marseille have seen 10 of their last 12 showdowns at the Stade Velodrome finish with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
While Newcastle might have embarked on a real Champions League fairytale, the Magpies have continued to show some glaring issues away from St. James’ Park. Losing their last three consecutive matchups on the road by an aggregate score of 8-3, Howe’s camp have also notched just a single victory on their travels since the start of April. Watching Marseille gain a reputation for their frantic affairs at the Stade Velodrome, we could be treated to an enjoyable European showdown in midweek.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
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