Villarreal CF - Marseille predictions and free betting tips [14/03/2024]

On Thursday, 14th March, as part of the second leg of the Europa League 1/8-finals, Villarreal will host Marseille. After a devastating defeat of 4:0 last week, Villarreal has effectively lost chances of advancing to the next round.

Predicted Line-ups

Villarreal: Reina; Femenia, Mandi, Bailly, Cuena; Akhomach, Parejo, Coquelin, Baena; G Moreno, Sorloth.
Marseille: Lopez; Clauss, Mbemba, Balerdi, Merlin; Veretout, Kondogbia, Harit; Sarr, Ndiaye, Aubameyang.

Stadium

The match will take place in the Ceramic stadium in Villarreal.

Villarreal

Villarreal's chances of reaching the quarter-finals of the Europa League were severely shaken last week when the Spaniards lost 4:0 at the Velodrome. In the fall, the hosts took first place in their group, outpacing Rennes, Maccabi Haifa, and Panathinaikos. Currently, the "yellow submarine" is also not faring too well in the league: Marcelino's wards are still in the bottom half of the table, in 11th place.

In recent weeks, Villarreal has gradually begun getting out of the crisis, grabbing victories in matches against Real Sociedad (1:3) and Granada (5:1). Last Sunday, the yellow-blue clinched their third consecutive victory in La Liga, beating Betis 2:3 away thanks to efforts from Alex Baena, Sokratis Papastathopoulos' own goal, and a precise strike from Alexander Sorloth. It's important to note that the hosts have only lost one of their last nine home games in all competitions. 

Marseille

Marseille heads to the Ceramics stadium with a significant advantage, having thrashed the Spaniards 4:0 at the Velodrome - accurate shots from Jordan Veretout, Yerson Mosquera and a double from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang decided everything. It should be said that since the appointment of Jean-Louis Gasset following the resignation of Gennaro Gattuso, the Porteños have picked up a decent form.

Following the victory over Shakhtar Donetsk (3:1) in the second leg of the Europa League 1/16 finals, the white-blues successively overcame Montpellier (4:1) and Clermont (1:5). Last Sunday, Marseille closed in on the top-6 in the national championship table, dispatching Nantes at home with a score of 2:0. It should be noted that the guests have not been performing too well away from home soil: they have only managed 1 win in the last five away games.

Head-to-Head

Marseille has never lost to Villarreal in head-to-head matches, winning 2:1 in 2021 and 4:0 last week, as well as a 1:1 draw in 2018.

Match Prediction Villarreal - Marseille

There is no longer any intrigue in this face-off, and Villarreal only needs to perform honourably in their final match of the current Europa League draw in front of their home crowd. Given the advantage after the duel at the Velodrome, Marseille's coaching staff is likely to grant rest to the key team players. The guests have no motivation to bust a gut for victory, so I'm betting on a Villarreal victory with a 0 handicap.

Prediction on Total

At least three goals have been scored in all four recent games involving both teams. There are good reasons to expect a high-scoring shootout now - betting on an overall total of over 2.5 goals.

Corner Prediction

Villarreal will play as the leading team - the support of the home crowd obliges, which means the hosts will win on corners.

Yellow Card Prediction

There is no tournament intrigue left in this face-off - no one will risk rushing into dangerous tackles in duels. Betting on an overall total of yellow cards under 3.5.

Score Prediction

I am betting on an exact score of 2:1 in favour of Villarreal.