The Case for Marseille: The Vélodrome is one of Europe’s most hostile environments, and Marseille are feeding off that energy. Roberto De Zerbi’s men arrive with confidence after a 5-2 away win, proving their attacking credentials. They average 11 goals in the Champions League and are particularly lethal from set-pieces—a known weakness for Liverpool. If they can disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm and turn the game into a chaotic, stop-start battle, their ability to score in bursts gives them a real chance.

The Case for Liverpool: Arne Slot’s side are a volume machine. They average a staggering 18.3 shots per game in the Champions League, constantly putting pressure on opposition defenses. While they have drawn frequently in the Premier League, their European form has been sharp. Their superior possession stats (56.7% vs 53.8%) and ability to execute through-ball attacks—Marseille’s biggest defensive vulnerability—suggest they can control the game and pick the hosts apart.

The Verdict: This clash pits Marseille’s passionate home advantage and set-piece prowess against Liverpool’s sheer volume of chances and technical control. Can Marseille’s defense withstand the barrage of 18+ shots, or will Liverpool’s backline crumble under the pressure of the Vélodrome atmosphere and dead-ball situations?