Marseille vs RB Leipzig: Predictions and Betting Preview

Marseille vs RB Leipzig
Europa League Quarterfinal Second Leg
Date: 12th April 2018, Thursday
Kick-off at 20:05 UK/ 21:05 CET
Venue: Stade Velodrome (Marseille).

RB Leipzig carry a slender 1-0 lead to Marseille for the second leg of the Europa League quarter final, in a match that hangs in perfect balance.

Timo Werner scored the lone goal in the first leg at Germany, leaving Marseille to overturn a deficit in the second leg for the first time in 13 years.

The European debutantes RB Leipzig had an impressive run in the competition since thye got transfered after a third placed finish in the Champions League group. They stood firm to overcome Napoli on goal-aggregate in the round of 32 and then Zenit 3-2 aggregare in the round of 16. They are unbeaten in the two away games during the period having beaten Napoli 3-1 and a 1-1 draw at Russia.

On the other hand, Marseille are enjoying a strong run in the competition as well, especially their home record is brilliant. There has been 5 wins and 1 draw in their 6 games so far, scored 9 and conceded just 2.

Also, their two knockout victories are built on the platform of a pair of wins. The inform Braga was trounced 3-0 in the round of 32 before Spanish outfirt Bilbao lost by a 3-1 margin.

Marseille vs RB Leipzig: Head-to-head

Leipzig’s 1-0 win last Thursday is their lone meeting with Marseilee in all competitions.

The Bulls had a taste of French opposition earlier this season when they were grouped with Monaco in the Champions League. They bagged a memorable 4-1 win at Monaco after a 1-1 home draw.

Marseille have plenty of experience against Bundesliga clubs, however their overall record in that aspect is poor – 5 wins, 3 draws, 9 losses from 17 matches. The home record is somewhat satisfactory considering 4 wins and a draw come from 8 games, losing thrice.

Marseille vs RB Leipzig: Prediction

The match hung in right balance with Leipzig leading 1-0 and Marseille holding a perfect record at their home turf. Also, this is anyone’s to win from here since both teams built on the platform of attacking football. I believe we are about to see some late drama in this particular fixture.

One of the picks I find good value is both teams to score. Not just the attacking mentality of the sides, but also the lethal form of Lucas Ocampos and Timo Werner for either sides make strong case for my prediction.

Marseille vs RB Leipzig: Team News & Predicted Line-ups

Marseille

Adil Rami and Steve Mandanda will miss the home leg through injuries.

While, Florian Thauvin and Rolando remain a major doubt for the Olympians.

Lack of options might force Rudi Garcia to deploy Luiz Gustavo in the center defense if he choose to go with a three men back line.

Marseille: Predicted Line-up (3-4-2-1)

Pele – Kamara, Gustavo, Sakai – Amavi, Sanson, Anguissa, Sarr – Payet, Ocampos – Germain.

RB Leipzig

Willi Orban is available for selection after serving a one-match ban in the first leg. He could slot in straight away to partner Dayotchanculle Upamecano at the heart of defense.

Naby Keita is a major doubt for the second leg. The Guinean international picked up a knock in the 1-4 loss against Leverkusen on the weekend.

The winter acquisition Ademola Lookman is ineligible to play in the competition after appearing for Everton in the group stage.

Meantime, Stefan Ilsanker and Marcel Halstenberg are two players confirmed to miss with injuries.

RB Leipzig: Predicted Line-up (4-4-2)

Gulacsi – Klostermann, Upamecano, Orban, Laimer – Bruma, Kampl, Demme, Forsberg – Poulsen, Werner.