Brighton and Marseille have everything to play for on Thursday night in Europa League Group B.
Marseille will begin the night in first place in Group B, with 11 points. Brighton are just one point behind Marseille and will leapfrog them with a victory.
Marseille memories... 🥶📸 #UEL ⏳ pic.twitter.com/7ihb1OD0Q9— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) December 13, 2023
Marseille memories... 🥶📸 #UEL ⏳ pic.twitter.com/7ihb1OD0Q9
The match at the Amex Stadium will be a winner-take-all clash, with the winning team moving into the Europa League last 16. The loser will be forced to play in the Europa League last 16 playoffs.
A win or a draw will suit Marseille, who are having a wretched time on the domestic front. Although Marseille began the season poorly, they have improved in recent weeks. OM went unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions, winning four of those fixtures.
Brighton will regret their 3-2 loss to AEK Athens on matchday No. 1 of the group stage. It was their only loss of the group stage. The Seagulls have played well in their first Europa League campaign, collecting a record of 3W-1D-1L.
The reverse fixture between Brighton and Marseille saw the French club race out to a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes. OM’s Chancel Mbemba scored in the 19th minute and Jordan Veretout added a second goal a minute later.
Brighton looked down and out until the 54th minute when Pascal Gross pulled a goal back. The comeback was completed in the 88th minute from the penalty spot by Joao Pedro.
Roberto De Zerbi’s team will go into the match unbeaten in their last two league games. Brighton defeated Brentford 2-1 and drew 1-1 with Burnley.
Marseille’s defence is playing well. They conceded just two goals in their last three matches in all competitions.
Playing on the road has been Marseille’s biggest issue this season. They posted a pitiful record of 2W-4D-5L on the road.
Marseille manager Gennaro Gattuso will be without three midfielders, as Geoffrey Kondogbia, Joaquin Correa, and Valentin Rongier will all miss out on the final group stage game.
De Zerbi will be without several players for the final group match. Defender Tariq Lamptey, winger Ansu Fati, and defender Adam Webster are all three expected to miss the match through injuries.
Defender Pervis Estupinan is ruled out through injury. Striker Danny Welbeck is unlikely to play following a strained muscle. Solly March is a major doubt to make the squad and forward Julio Enciso is out long-term.
The first match between these teams saw a resilient Brighton come from two goals down to draw 2-2. Thursday’s group finale should see another goal-fest, as the teams draw 2-2.