It is Matchday 6 in the UEFA Europa League, as Brighton & Hove are set to host Marseille at the Amex Stadium in the final group stage fixture on Thursday.
Both sides have already qualified for the knockouts with a guaranteed top-two finish. A victory will determine the table toppers of Group B, with the first-place team directly advancing to the next round and the second-place team playing in the playoffs against teams that have dropped down from the Champions League group stage.
The Seagulls will aim to finish as the group winners, following a quite successful maiden European campaign in their history. They have gathered 10 points from three wins, a single draw, and a loss in a total of 5 matches. On the other hand, Les Olympiens, an established name in European football, have maintained their unbeaten run so far this campaign with 11 points in hand, having the same number of wins as the English opponents.
Interestingly, both teams are led by renowned Italian managers. Roberto De Zerbi’s team will aim to overcome the challenges posed by Gennaro Gattuso’s French-managed side. Thus, it all comes down to the final Group stage encounter between the two best sides to determine who will secure the top spot.
When and Where?
Date: Thursday, December 14, 2023
Time: 8:00 PM BST
Venue: Amex Stadium, Brighton
Match Officials
Referee: José María Sánchez
Assistants: Raúl Cabañero & Iñigo Prieto
Fourth official: Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz
VAR: Juan Martínez Munuera
Assistant VAR: Christian Dingert
Team news
Brighton’s never-ending string of injuries continues, with players like Solly March, Julio Enciso, Pervis Estupinan, Danny Welbeck, Ansu Fati, Tariq Lamptey, and Adam Webster sidelined, nursing injuries.
For Marseille, Joaquin Correa and Valentin Rongier have been ruled out of the fixture due to ankle concerns, while the rest of the squad is fit to go into the match.
Match Analysis
Roberto De Zerbi’s managed side enters the match after sharing points over the weekend in the Premier League against Burnley in their recent domestic outing. The Seagulls are expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation with a few changes from the Burnley game.
Jason Steele is in goal, with the center-back pairing of van Hecke and Lewis Dunk just ahead. Jack Hinshelwood will start as the left back, and Veltman will be the right back on the other side. Gilmour and Gross will form the midfield partnership, while Mitoma returns to the lineup on the left flank alongside Pedro and Adingra on the right. Lewis Ferguson will be front as the striker.
The French side is flying high after a recent thumping 4-2 league victory over Lorient. Gennaro Gattuso, the Italian counterpart to De Zerbi, could revert to a 4-4-2 tactical shape, adopting a sensible approach.
Pau Lopez will continue as the shot-stopper, with a defensive four-man wall consisting of Clauss and Lodi as full-backs and Samuel Gigot partnering with Chancel Mbemba in the center. In the middle, Amine Harit and Ismaila Sarr will operate on either flank as wide midfielders, joined by Veretout and Ounahi at the heart of the midfield. The in-form forward pairing of Ndiaye and Aubameyang will lead the attack.
Key Players
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
The Gabonese international striker is in fine form, showering goals and assists for Marseille. He has already scored five in the Europa League, not to mention the hat-trick against Ajax in a previous European clash, contributing significantly to complete the turnaround.
Overall, the forward has 12 goals and 6 assists across all competitions this season, defying his aging factor like in his prime.
Additionally, in his last four matches, his contributions reached a 10-goal tally in all competitions upon his return to England, where he previously played for London clubs Chelsea and Arsenal. The 34-year-old will be eager to leave his mark and guide his side into the next round against the Seagulls.
Predicted Lineups
Brighton predicted lineup: Steele; Veltman, Dunk, Igor, Hinshelwood; Gross, Gilmour; Adingra, Pedro, Mitoma; Ferguson
Marseille’s predicted lineup: Lopez; Clauss, Gigot, Mbemba, Lodi; Sarr, Veretout, Ounahi, Harit; Ndiaye, Aubameyang