Brighton vs Marseille prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2023-12-13 20:00.
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi was left “frustrated” after his side drew 1-1 against relegation battling Burnley in the Premier League at the weekend. He must quickly park that disappointment as the Seagulls have UEFA Europa League (UEL) matters to attend to, as they welcome Marseille to the Amex in a straight shootout for top-spot in Group B, with only a win enough for Brighton to advance straight into the last-16.
De Zerbi’s side ought to be confident of achieving just that given their impressive form at the moment (W5, D4, L1), and with three successive wins on the UEL stage, they seem to be finding their feet in their first-ever European campaign. The reverse fixture against Marseille seemingly served as a springboard in that sense, as Brighton battled back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2, their first goals in a current run of seven unanswered UEL strikes.
Marseille promise to pose a serious threat to Brighton’s unbreached run after netting four themselves at the weekend in a Ligue 1 win at Lorient. Things finally look to have clicked under boss Gennaro Gattuso, who has overseen four successive wins in all competitions, but even though a draw here is enough to secure top spot in Group B, Marseille will be keen to secure a fifth-straight win for the first time since January.
History would suggest that’s a longshot as Les Phoceens have only ever beaten English opposition away from home once in their history in UEFA competition (D4, L9). It’s been a similarly miserable picture anywhere for Marseille, who have won just one of their previous ten UEL away games (D4, L5), although they should be boosted by the fact that came in their last such outing – a 2-0 win against AEK Athens.
Players to watch: Brighton’s João Pedro has made himself at home in the UEL, netting in four of the Seagulls’ five games and scoring the game opener in his last two European scoring appearances. Renowned for scoring in the UEL, Marseille's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is one goal away from drawing level with Radamel Falcao as the all-time leading UEL goalscorer.
Hot stat: Marseille’s five UEL group matches have averaged 4.6 goals per game.