Marseille welcome Newcastle United to the Stade Vélodrome for a highly anticipated European clash, with kick-off set for Tuesday at 8:00pm. Below you can find our match preview and best bets which can be backed with SBK.
Best Bets & Predictions
Based on their defensive strength and clinical finishing, our top recommendation is backing Newcastle United to win. The Magpies’ sharp edge in both boxes and Marseille’s tendency to concede suggest a strong value play. Here are our top betting recommendations for this fixture:
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newcastle United to Win | 31/20 @ Bet365 (39.2%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Newcastle have found a breath of fresh air in the Champions League amid a tricky domestic campaign, while Marseille arrive with injury concerns that leave them far from full strength. The Velodrome’s famous atmosphere will be daunting, but the Magpies look well-placed to exploit their hosts’ fitness issues and chase a historic fourth consecutive Champions League victory. |
| Dan Burn to be Carded | 3/1 @ SBK (25.0%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will prove a tough test for Dan Burn, who should be tasked with taking care of the former Arsenal man. Burn has given away 2+ fouls in all of his last seven league matches and has been booked in seven of those. |
Our approach: Start with Newcastle to win, add Both Teams to Score for accumulator potential.
Odds correct at the time of writing.
How both teams go into Marseille vs Newcastle
Marseille are struggling in Europe this season. Roberto De Zerbi’s side suffered a late 1-0 defeat to Atalanta on matchday four, marking their third loss in four Champions League games. Sporting Lisbon and Real Madrid have also beaten them, with their only win coming against a struggling Ajax. As a result, the former European champions sit 25th in the table.
Yet, there are signs of life at home. Marseille have been dominant in their last two Ligue 1 games, beating Brest 3-0 and running riot against Nice 5-1, with ex-Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood hitting double figures for the season.
Newcastle have bounced back strongly in the Champions League this season. After a narrow opening loss to Barcelona, Eddie Howe’s side have won their last three group games against Union SG, Benfica, and Athletic Bilbao, scoring nine goals and keeping three clean sheets.
Their 2-0 win over Athletic on matchday four highlighted their strength, with Dan Burn’s header and Joelinton’s goal proving decisive. If the group stage ended today, the Magpies would automatically qualify for the last 16, giving Howe a chance to make more history on Tuesday.
A victory in midweek would see Newcastle claim four straight Champions League wins for the first time, following up a 2-1 Premier League win over Manchester City with another statement performance in Europe.
Marseille team news
Hosts Marseille welcome back Emerson Palmieri, fresh from a European ban, but Benjamin Pavard and Nayef Aguerd risk suspension if booked on Tuesday. Aguerd is already doubtful with a groin injury, while Hamed Traore and Amir Murillo are sidelined with fatigue. Forward Amine Gouiri remains out until January with a shoulder problem.
Roberto De Zerbi is likely to stick with his potent attacking trio of Mason Greenwood, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Igor Paixao, with Aubameyang impressing recently by scoring once and setting up two in the 5-1 win over Nice. In midfield and defence, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is uncertain after missing Friday’s win as a precaution, while Facundo Medina is out with an unspecified issue.
Newcastle team news
The only minor concern for Newcastle against Manchester City was Lewis Hall’s early exit in the 77th minute, but Eddie Howe is confident it was just cramp after a long spell out with injury.
Howe can manage the situation easily thanks to Dan Burn’s return from suspension, while Kieran Trippier (knock) and Anthony Gordon (groin) remain available for the trip to Marseille. Unavailable for the French visit are Will Osula (ankle), Yoane Wissa (knee), and Harrison Ashby (thigh). Joelinton also faces a suspension risk: a yellow card in midweek would rule him out of Newcastle’s final group game against Bayer Leverkusen.
Season Form & Standings
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newcastle United | 6 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 2 | +8 | 9 |
| Olympique Marseille | 25 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 5 | +1 | 3 |
Head-to-Head
Last Meetings
These two sides have never met in official European competition, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this group stage showdown. With no history to draw on, both teams enter the fixture with a clean slate and everything to play for.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| – | No previous meetings | – |
Conclusion: Will Newcastle’s Defence Hold Firm?
With Newcastle displaying the kind of defensive resilience and clinical edge that wins tight European away games, it’s hard to look past the Magpies for the victory. Marseille’s technical strengths in possession may help them create openings, but their vulnerability at the back and lack of a prolific striker remain concerns. For punters, the standout pick is Newcastle to win at 31/20 with SBK.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
