Prediction: Benfica vs Marseille

Verdict: Benfica win

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Hoping to claim a first-leg Europa League advantage on Thursday night, Benfica will welcome Marseille to the Estadio da Luz.

Benfica

Starting with the hosts, suffering last-gasp heartbreak away at historic rivals Sporting Lisbon over the weekend, Benfica will be desperate to claim an immediate response here. Despite eventually suffering a 2-1 loss at the Jose Alvalade Stadium, Roger Schmidt’s men will certainly be relishing a return to home soil on Thursday night. Extending on their Europa League adventure last month as they secured a 3-2 aggregate victory against Scottish giants Rangers, the Eagles have gained a reputation for their extended success in front of their own supporters. In fact, Benfica have remarkably lost just one of their previous 19 showdowns at the Estadio da Luz – a run that stems all the way back to October 24th. Although Schmidt’s side might be seeking some recent defensive stability, Thursday’s hosts should be smelling a golden opportunity to claim a first-leg advantage.

Team News

Although Norway international Fredrik Aursnes might be set to serve a domestic suspension, the former Feyenoord defender is free to feature on Thursday night. Ahead of their first-leg showdown here, Schmidt’s side have reported a clean bill of health.

Notching a trio of goals in his four Europa League appearances this season, former Real Madrid superstar Angel Di Maria will certainly have a leading role to play here. Heavily linked with a blockbuster Premier League switch this summer, 19-year-old starlet Joao Neves will once again partner Florentino at the heart of Benfica’s midfield.

Marseille

As for the visitors, while Marseille might have opened March in the midst of a real purple patch, the French giants have come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion. Last seen over the weekend putting in another downbeat performance as they slumped to a 3-1 drumming at the hands of historic rivals Lille, Jean-Louis Gasset has struggled to offer much stability since arriving at the Stade Velodrome this year. Heading into March’s fortnight interval with a routine 2-0 loss against Rennes, the Phocaeans have now lost all of their previous four appearances across all competitions. Despite extending on their Europa League adventure last month as they eventually secured a thrilling 5-3 aggregate victory against Spanish outfit Villarreal, the former Ivory Coast boss will certainly have a major headache over his side’s glaring defensive issues.

Team News

All still dealing with respective injury issues, the likes of Michael Murillo, Bilal Nadir, Valentin Rongier and former Real Madrid starlet Pedro Ruiz will not feature on Thursday night. Likewise, suffering with a recent knock and missing out over the weekend, Congo international Chancel Mbemba remains a doubt.

Enjoying a real Europa League romp this season and notching nine goals in as many appearances, ex-Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will spearhead Marseille’s charge on foreign soil. One-time Borussia Dortmund starlet Leonardo Balerdi will partner French defender Samuel Gigot at the back.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Benfica and Marseille last met in Europa League action 14 years ago, the Portuguese heavyweights collected a 3-2 aggregate victory.
• Benfica have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 19 straight showdowns at the Estadio da Luz.
• The Phocaeans have lost all of their previous four appearances across all competitions.
• Likewise, Marseille have shipped 10 goals on their four-match losing rut.
• Marseille have collected just a single win from any of their previous eight matchups on the road.

Conclusion

While Benfica might have watched their recent flurry come to an abrupt end over the weekend, Thursday’s hosts should be smelling the chance to claim an immediate Europa League boost here. Losing just one of their previous 19 showdowns at the Estadio da Luz, a struggling Marseille should be bracing themselves for another real challenge in midweek. Along with the Phocaeans losing their previous four straight appearances across all competitions, the French outfit have also secured just a sole win from their last eight contests on the road.

Verdict: Benfica win

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet