Olympique Marseille vs Newcastle United

Marseille returned from the November international break in explosive fashion, sweeping aside Nice 5–1 on Friday night to keep the pressure firmly on PSG at the top of Ligue 1. Their attention now shifts back to the UEFA Champions League, where Roberto De Zerbi will be eager to see a response from his side following their narrow 1–0 defeat to Atalanta in Matchday four. The French side sit 24th in the league phase with just three points [1W, 0D, 3L] and know improvement is essential if they are to revive their European campaign. History suggests a result one way or another is likely—none of Les Olympiens’ last 24 UCL group-stage or league-phase matches have ended level, with their last draw in the competition dating back to November 2011 against Arsenal. However, breaking their poor record against English opposition will be crucial; OM have failed to win any of their last 12 matches against teams from the Premier League [0W, 3D, 9L]. Their only previous encounters with Newcastle came in the 2003/04 UEFA Cup semi-final, where Marseille remained unbeaten [1W, 1D, 0L]. Team news brings a mixed picture: Emerson Palmieri returns from a European suspension, but Nayef Aguerd and Amine Gouiri are sidelined. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may start up front in a 4—2—3—1 formation.

Newcastle arrive in excellent spirits after a morale-boosting 2–1 Premier League victory over Manchester City, extending their run to seven wins in their last ten matches across all competitions [7W, 0D, 3L]. Their strong continental form continues as well, with three straight UCL wins [WWW]—the latest a 2–0 triumph over Athletic Club—placing them inside the top six of the league phase on nine points [3W, 0D, 1L]. A fourth consecutive UCL win would mark a historic first for the Magpies. Their recent European record supports their growing confidence: Newcastle have lost just two of their last nine UEFA fixtures against French opponents [3W, 4D, 2L] and have kept three straight UCL clean sheets. They have also been difficult to beat on away soil, suffering only two defeats in their last 13 UEFA group/league phase road games [5W, 6D, 2L]. However, Eddie Howe will again be without William Osula, Yoane Wissa, and Harrison Ashby. A 4—3—3 formation is expected with Nick Woltemade, Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy in attack.