After four games in the Spanish top flight, Real Madrid are the only side to have their perfect record intact. Xabi Alonso could not have hoped for a better start at the helm, especially given how his team had to dig deep against Real Sociedad last time out. Los Blancos took an early lead through Kylian Mbappe, before Dean Huijsen was sent off for bringing down Mikel Oyarzabal around the 30-minute mark. 

Despite that setback, Alonso made no substitutions, as Madrid continued to be quite front-footed in their approach - Arda Guler doubled his side’s lead just before half-time. Los Blancos had to soak up plenty of pressure in the second period and, despite conceding a penalty after 56 minutes, were able to hold on to take all three points from the Reale Arena. 

Madrid were much more convincing in their games before the international break, winning those three by an aggregate score of 6-1.

Kylian Mbappe has been a key reason for Madrid’s success this season, as the Frenchman already has four goals to his name from four league starts. Given that he also scored in both matches for France during the international break, the 26-year-old could not be in better form coming into this clash, and will look to make his mark in the Champions League. 

Marseille did win 4-0 last time out, but it is worth noting that Lorient received a red card after just ten minutes, which allowed the hosts to dominate. Prior to that, Roberto De Zerbi’s side had looked a bit vulnerable at the back, conceding four goals from their three matches. 

With a new-look defensive line featuring the likes of Nayef Aguerd, Benjamin Pavard, and Facundo Media, who all made their debuts for Marseille in the previous game, Mbappe will realise this is a great matchup for him to extend his scoring streak.

Huijsen may have been sent off against Real Sociedad last time out, but will be eligible to play here in the Champions League and is certain to reclaim his starting spot at the back. Since completing his move from Bournemouth over the summer, the centre-back has been a key player under Alonso, and has only missed one game since the start of the Club World Cup. Again, he was sent off against Dortmund, and Real Madrid lost 4-0 against PSG in the proceeding game without the Spaniard. 

Standing at 6’4, Huijsen is a commanding presence at the back, but is also incredibly confident and effective on the ball. He has landed this bet in seven out of nine starts for Madrid, including against Sociedad last time out despite his early dismissal, averaging 1.2 shots per 90 overall. Three of his ten attempts have come from set-piece scenarios, while the rest of his efforts have come from open-play.

Amir Murillo was the only familiar face in the Marseille back line last time out against Lorient, and the Panama international still managed to land this bet despite his side being totally dominant with the extra man advantage. Operating as a right-back, Murillo has committed at least two fouls in three out of four Ligue 1 appearances this season, only failing on the opening weekend against Rennes. The hosts also received an early red card, allowing Marseille to dominate with 72% possession. 

The 29-year-old has been a bit more aggressive in his duels this term, but did still have an average of 1.07 fouls per 90 last season in the French top flight. The key here, though, will be his matchup against Vinicius Jr on the flank. The Brazilian was fouled four times last time out against Sociedad, and had an average of 2.29 fouls draw per 90 in the Champions League last season at the Bernabeu.

Angel Gomes fell out of favour in the second half of last season at Lille and has since completed a free transfer to Marseille. The former Manchester United man started just ten games in the previous campaign, predominantly in an attacking midfield role, but has been deployed a bit deeper by De Zerbi. This term, he has played all four games in a double pivot alongside either Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg or Geoffrey Kondogbia. 

Although he does get some attacking freedom in that pairing, Gomes has been given more of a defensive responsibility than he is used to, and has been booked in each of his last two outings with a total of three fouls. Considering he received just one booking in Ligue 1 last season, the 25-year-old is definitely taking some time to adjust, and now will have the tough task of trying to contain the Madrid forward line.

Alonso has implemented several changes to Madrid’s tactical system which has brought about positive results, and Arda Guler has been the beneficiary of those. The Turkish international has started all four games so far, and has noticeably been intent on getting into the box to get on the end of crosses, or pick up on second-balls. 

The Turkish international had an average of 2.81 shots per 90 last season under Carlo Ancelotti, but 41% of those efforts came from outside the box. This season, the 25-year-old has taken just 29% of his efforts from outside the box, and has therefore been a lot more accurate with his attempts. 

In fact, Guler has got on the scoresheet in back-to-back matches coming into this clash, almost matching his tally of three La Liga goals last season. He also landed this bet in his last home outing at the Bernabeu against Mallorca.

After spending two years in Turin with Juventus, Timothy Weah has joined Marseille this season on loan. He typically featured in a more defensive role last season for The Old Lady, but still managed five Serie A goals from just 18 starts. 

However, in the previous game against Lorient, Weah was utilised in a more advanced position than usual. He played as a left-winger and managed one shot on target. Against Real Madrid, Marseille will likely have to soak up a lot of pressure and concede possession for the majority of the game. However, Los Blancos have conceded a total of 12 shots on target from their last three league games, so Marseille will hope chances can come on the break. 

Roberto De Zerbi’s side will have to be effective on the counter, and Weah’s pace out wide will be crucial. Playing on the left benefits Weah for shots, as he has a tendency to cut inside onto his stronger right foot.