Marseille are still seeking their first win in Group B of the UEFA Europa League as they welcome AEK Athens to the Stage Orange Velodrome on Thursday. While Athens can make things difficult, the French side have shown signs of resurgence, particularly at home and should finally get off the mark on Thursday.
Marseille are yet to secure a win in Group B of the Europa League, although they are technically still unbeaten after two matches. They began with a 3-3 draw at Ajax before throwing away a two goal lead in a 2-2 draw at Brighton in their previous fixture.
Both results highlight the major problem for Marseille as they have struggled to maintain their discipline at the back this season. That defensive problem was on show once again as they were beaten 1-0 by Nice in a Ligue 1 fixture last weekend.
In the midst of all these issues, Marseille have attempted to maintain a solid record at the Stade Orange Velodrome. Gennaro Gattuso’s men are unbeaten in their last four home matches and picked up a 3-0 victory in their previous fixture in front of their fans.
AEK Athens are also unbeaten in Group B of the Europa League, although they have claimed a win and a draw from their opening two matches. They picked up a 3-2 victory at Brighton in their opening fixture before battling to a 1-1 draw with Ajax last time out.
The Greek side have shown some overall good form in recent weeks, suffering just one defeat in their last nine matches across all competitions. They warmed up for the trip to Marseille with a 3-0 victory over Aesteras Tripolis in a Super League fixture last weekend.
That win extends a solid away record for AEK Athens, who have lost just once in their last five matches on the road. However, Matias Almeyda’s men have picked up just one win from their last four away matches in Europe, a run that includes the Champions League and Europa League.
How the bookies view it
Marseille have the upper hand among the bookies with a home win priced at 3/4 by 10bet. A victory for AEK Athens is valued at 7/2 by Paddy Power while William Hill is offering odds of 16/5 for a draw.
Head to head
This will be the first ever meeting between Marseille and AEK Athens.
Players to watch
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remains the most dangerous forward for Marseille and is often involved in most of their attacking plays. The striker netted a brace at Brighton and could be backed to find the net on Thursday at 6/4 with Paddy Power.
AEK Athens have shown they can also hold their own going forward, although their goals are often spread across the team. However, Ezequiel Ponce is usually the furthest player forward and could be worth keeping an eye on at 14/5 with Coral.
Anything else catch the eye?
Marseille have produced over 3.5 goals in their two Europa League matches and could be set for a repeat at 15/8 with Paddy Power. Over 2.5 goals could also be considered at 7/10 with bet365 while Unibet is also ordering odds of 7/10 on both teams to score.
The French side scored in both halves in their previous home fixture and could be set for a repeat at 6/4 with bet365.
This UEFA Europa League match between Marseille and AEK Athens will be played on Oct 26, 2023 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Marseille vs AEK Athens prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
