A thrilling encounter could be expected as Marseille host Villarreal in their Europa League round of 16 first leg. Both teams have flexed their attacking muscles in recent weeks and could be set to serve up goals on Thursday.
Marseille came through the playoffs to secure their place in the round of the Europa League. They were held to a 2-2 draw in the first leg at Shakhtar Donetsk before returning home for a 3-1 victory in the return fixture.
The French side have been in good form lately, winning their last three matches across all competitions. They warmed up for the visit of Villarreal with a 5-1 victory at Clermont in a Ligue 1 fixture last weekend.
Marseille often do their best work at home and are unbeaten in their last 15 matches at Orange Velodrome. However, Jean-Louis Gasset’s men are often unconvincing at the back and are without a clean sheet in the last six fixtures in that run.
Villarreal have enjoyed a fine campaign in the Europa League as they finished top of their group to avoid going through the playoffs. After losing to Panathinaikos in their opening fixture, Marcelino’s men went unbeaten in their remaining five matches, claiming four wins in that run.
The Spaniards travel to the Orange Velodrome in good form as they are unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions. They have won the last two in that run and claimed a 5-1 victory over Granada in a La Liga fixture last weekend with Alexander Sorloth netting a hat-trick.
Villarreal have also caught the eye on their travels and are unbeaten in their last three away matches. However, they are without a clean sheet in their last 12 away matches across all competitions.
How the bookies view it
Marseille are considered overwhelming favourites among the bookies with home win priced at 19/20 by Coral. A victory for Villarreal is valued at 14/5 by Unibet while bet365 is offering odds of 11/4 for a draw.
Head to head
There have been only two previous matches between Marseille and Villarreal with both teams meeting in friendlies in 2018 and 2021. The French side claimed a 2-1 victory in the clash in 2021.
Players to watch
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been in good form for Marseille in recent weeks with four goals in the last three matches. The striker was also on target in the two legs with Shakhtar Donetsk and is priced at 7/5 by bet365 to maintain his scoring run.
Alexander Sorloth is coming off a hat-trick and could be worth keeping an eye on for Villarreal. The striker has also found the net in two of the last three away matches and is priced at 7/2 with Unibet to get on the score sheet once again.
Anything else catch the eye?
Marseille and Villarreal saw over 3.5 goals in their respective domestic fixtures last weekend and could be set for a repeat at 9/4 with Unibet. Over 2.5 goals could also be considered at 4/5 with Paddy Power while Unibet is also offering odds of 3/4 on both teams to score.
There were more goals after the break in Marseille’s Ligue 1 fixture last weekend and Thursday’s clash could be set for a similar pattern at 11/10 with Paddy Power.
This UEFA Europa League match between Marseille and Villarreal will be played on Mar 7, 2024 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Marseille vs Villarreal prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
