Overview
The Champions League sometimes becomes a valuable spiritual medicine to help Liverpool temporarily forget the difficulties in the domestic arena in the 2025-2026 season.
In recent months, the most prestigious tournament in Europe has brought The Kop memorable nights, from two convincing victories against Real Madrid to an impressive triumphal song performance at San Siro.
Entering the sixth match against Inter Milan with a bottom-ranked position, coach Arne Slot's team still created a big surprise when winning 1-0 thanks to a penalty from Dominik Szoboszlai. This result helped the reigning Premier League champions closer to the top 8 leading teams - the teams that won direct tickets to the knockout round.
Liverpool currently has the same score and goal difference as Atletico Madrid, but is temporarily outside the top 8 due to scoring fewer goals than Diego Simeone's team. Real Madrid and Inter Milan also have 12 points, making the competition extremely fierce.
However, the atmosphere at Anfield last weekend was less positive. The 1-1 draw against Burnley - a team in the relegation group - caused Liverpool to set an unwanted record.
They became the first Premier League champion not to win in 3 consecutive home matches against newcomers in the same season. This achievement raises doubts about Arne Slot's long-term journey at Merseyside.
However, the Dutch strategist still aims to extend his 12-match unbeaten streak in all competitions when Liverpool visits Marseille mid-week.
Roberto De Zerbi's team possesses the most explosive attack in Europe this season. In the sixth match, Mason Greenwood's double helped Marseille defeat Union Saint-Gilloise 3-2. Previously, the Ligue 1 representative also surpassed Newcastle and PSV Eindhoven, even though they lost to Sporting Lisbon, Atalanta and Real Madrid.
Currently ranked 12th in the Champions League table and three points behind the group that went straight to the round of 16, Marseille understands that they are not allowed to stumble. Last weekend, Les Olympiens continued to show off their attacking power when they crushed Angers 5-2 in Ligue 1, including 4 goals scored in just the first 40 minutes of the match.
If they beat Liverpool, Marseille will have their first consecutive 3 Champions League wins since the 2010-2011 season. This is also the first reunion between the two teams since the group stage of the 2008-2009 season, when Liverpool won both matches under coach Rafael Benitez.
Personnel situation
Liverpool's away trip to Marseille took place just 4 days after Mohamed Salah closed his journey at the African Cup. The 33-year-old star has been named in the registered squad, but his starting ability is still uncertain due to fitness issues.
3 players are definitely absent from Liverpool, including Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni (all knee injuries) and Alexander Isak (leg injury). Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate is having personal problems, so his ability to play is unclear.
On Marseille's side, Nayef Aguerd has just returned after losing to Senegal in the AFCON final with the Moroccan national team, but this center-back is unlikely to be on the playing list because he has not reached his best physical condition.
The home team continues to be without Derek Cornelius (muscular injury) and Ruben Blanco (knee). Bilal Nadir was forced to leave the field in the victory against Angers last weekend, but his injury is not too serious, similar to Benjamin Pavard's condition.
Expected lineup:
Rulli, Murillo, Balerdi, Medina, Emerson, O'Riley, Hojbjerg, Weah, Greenwood, Paixao, Aubameyang.
Alisson, Frimpong, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gakpo, Ekitike.
The match between Marseille and Liverpool takes place at 3:00 AM on January 22 (Vietnam time).
