Marseille had no such issues with finding the back of the net at the weekend, as they secured a 5-2 win against Angers. They racked up 23 shots and seven big chances in that match, amounting to 2.84 xG.

Les Phoceens had five different players on the scoresheet at the weekend, highlighting the quality they possess in the final third. Prior to that, they secured progression in the Coupe de France with a 9-0 win. Although that was against sixth-tier Bayeux FC, it just goes to show how strong Marseille are going forward, and they should be full of confidence.

Liverpool haven’t been so watertight at the back this season, but they have plenty of firepower going forward, and didn’t struggle to create chances against Burnley at the weekend. They managed 32 shots worth 3.18 xG, forcing Martin Dubravka into eight saves.

Scott Parker deployed a low block in that game, allowing Liverpool to dominate possession and play most of the game in their attacking third.

Marseille are likely to be a lot more attack-minded in their approach and make things difficult for the Reds. Les Phoceens are a team that like to press high and be front-footed, particularly on home turf, which Newcastle discovered when they played at the Velodrome Stadium back in November. 

Marseille won that game 2-1, receiving five yellow cards in the process. They have opted for an aggressive defensive regime this season, which is reflected in their card counts - Marseille are averaging 2.8 cards per game in the Champions League this season, and have been booked twice in five of their six matches in total.

Similarly, Liverpool are drawing 2.67 yellows per game in Europe, with this selection also landing in five of their six games. 

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has plenty of experience playing against Liverpool and will be a key player for Marseille in midfield. The former Spurs man has been amongst the fouls this season, averaging 1.27 infringements per 90, hitting this mark in each of his last eight matches across all competitions. 

In that streak, he landed this bet in the Champions League against both Newcastle and RUSG, while he has also seen an uptick in infringements when playing against the top sides. 

Hojbjerg recently committed three fouls and was booked against PSG when the two met in the French Supercup final. He was also carded against the Parisians when they faced off in the league, while he also committed one foul at the Bernabeu when Real Madrid hosted Marseille back in round one. Once again, the 30-year-old should have plenty of defensive work to get through here against Liverpool.

Dominik Szobozlai had an afternoon to forget on Saturday, as he wasted his chance to score from the penalty spot, striking the crossbar. Usually so reliable from the spot, the Hungarian missed the opportunity to score his seventh goal of the season, which eventually proved costly. 

Szoboszlai looked eager to atone for his mistakes throughout that game, as he registered a total of six shots, with one hitting the target. Still, the 25-year-old has been one of Liverpool’s best performers this season, and is averaging 2.22 shots per 90 across all competitions. Considering he has featured at fullback for a fair few games as well, that figure becomes even more impressive. 

He has saved his best performances for the Champions League this season, scoring in three of Liverpool’s six games, landing this bet against the likes of Inter Milan and Real Madrid.

Florian Wirtz really seems to be finding his feet for Liverpool, and he has looked much more confident in recent weeks. He scored Liverpool’s only goal of the game against Burnley at the weekend, which was a rocket into the top corner. The German international had four shots in total, with three of those hitting the target, while also registering three key passes. 

Wirtz has managed four goals and two assists in his last seven starts across all competitions, landing this selection in five of those matches. He has played with more confidence in the final third and seems to have formed a nice partnership with Hugo Ekitike up front. 

Those two came on for the final 30 minutes against Barnsley in the FA Cup last week, and combined for two goals. Ekitike provided the assist for Wirtz initially, before the German international returned the favour for Ekitike to score in stoppage time.

Ryan Gravenberch should find duels against Hojbjerg in midfield, which is a matchup to keep an eye on. The Dutchman has been a key player for Liverpool under Arne Slot, and he is often the one who drops deeper to receive the ball to carry it forward.

Gravenberch is a confident player in possession, and looks to draw players in towards him to open up space for his teammates - because of that, he is averaging 1.4 fouls drawn per 90 across all competitions this season. 

In the Champions League, that figure rises to 2.1 fouls drawn per 90, with Gravenberch landing this selection in four of his five starts overall. He draws an excellent matchup against Marseille here, a team who press intensely. Les Phoceens will aim to make life hard for Gravenberch, limiting the space and time he has on the ball. 

That intense press starts from the centre-backs, who often look to squeeze up when Marseille don’t have the ball. Leonardo Balerdi, the captain of his side, is the leader of that press, and he usually looks to get tough and tight to the opposing striker. 

That often leaves space in behind, which can be dangerous against a player like Hugo Ekitike. Despite his tall frame, the Frenchman has a notable burst of acceleration, which could be a mismatch against Baledri. Ekitike is averaging just 0.6 fouls drawn per 90, but he can be a real threat that Balerdi will have to deal with. 

The Argentine international has already been booked twice in the Champions League, including against Newcastle. He has also committed a foul in both matchups against PSG this season, which shows that he struggles against the top sides, so he will be tested against Liverpool here.