The Champions League match will take place at the Orange Vélodrome on Wednesday as Marseille hosts Liverpool in a crucial Matchday 7 game.
Liverpool comes into this match in ninth place, just outside the qualification spots due to goal difference. Their recent domestic performance raises concerns, despite a strong win against Inter Milan in Europe. A recent draw with Burnley added to their troubles, as they have not beaten any promoted team at home this season.
On the other hand, Marseille has been lively under Roberto De Zerbi, sitting in 12th place. They are coming off a convincing 5–2 win in their last domestic game and consecutive European victories have lifted their spirits.
Marseille vs Liverpool – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Wednesday, 21 January 2026
- Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
- Venue: Orange Vélodrome, Marseille
- Referee: Slavko Vinčić (SVN)
- VAR: Christian Dingert (GER)
- Last Meeting: Liverpool 1–0 Marseille (Nov 2008), Champions League
Team News
Marseille
Roberto De Zerbi has most of his squad available for this match, though veteran defender Benjamin Pavard is likely out due to injury. Nayef Aguerd returns after the AFCON final. The team will look to their leading European scorer, Brazilian winger Igor Paixão, who has four goals, along with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mason Greenwood.
Liverpool
Arne Slot faces several key injuries ahead of the match in France. Conor Bradley (knee) is out for the season, joining Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni on the long-term injury list. Ibrahima Konaté won’t travel due to a family matter, likely leading to Joe Gomez partnering with Virgil van Dijk. However, Mohamed Salah has returned from AFCON and is expected to start on the right wing.
Form
Marseille
Marseille has been in excellent form, averaging 4.2 goals over their last five matches in all competitions. This game features two teams with the longest current streaks without a draw in Champions League history: Marseille (30 games) and Liverpool (27 games).
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with three goals and four assists, ranks just behind Kylian Mbappé for goal contributions in the competition this season. However, Marseille’s defense has shown weaknesses, conceding at least three expected goals (xG) in four of their six matches, which Liverpool may exploit.
Liverpool
Liverpool has had a consistent but unremarkable recent run, currently sitting on a 12-match unbeaten streak, which includes four consecutive draws in the Premier League. They lead the Champions League in pressures applied in the opposing penalty area, with 313, and have David Raya, the competition’s top “goal preventer,” who has saved +7.3 goals since last season.
Captain Virgil van Dijk remains a strong aerial presence, boasting an 83% success rate in this year’s competition. In midfield, Curtis Jones continues to maintain ball security with a 92% pass accuracy under pressure.
Predicted Lineups
Marseille Predicted XI: Rulli; Murillo, Aguerd, Medina; Weah, Højbjerg, O’Riley, Emerson; Greenwood, Aubameyang, Paixão
Liverpool Predicted XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Gomez, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitiké
How to Watch Marseille vs Liverpool?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1, with streaming available via the discovery+ app. In the US, fans can watch on Paramount+.
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