Racing expert Will Smith is sweet on a 2-star ** ante-post 14/1 EW selection for Saturday's Cleeve Hurdle on Cheltenham's Trials Day card.
Date published: January 19, 2026
Date of Tips: 19/01/2026
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (12:36 19/01/2026) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
Olympique de Marseille
v Liverpool FC 
Orange Vélodrome
UEFA Champions League LEAGUE_STAGE 
21-01-2026 20:00
Marseille Form
Liverpool Form
The Stade Vélodrome sees Marseille welcome Liverpool on Wednesday evening, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm. Big names, big crowd, and plenty riding on it. Both sides are chasing momentum in the Champions League, and this Marseille vs Liverpool prediction digs into team news, likely lineups, how they match up, and where the smart betting angles might sit.
Let’s start with the hosts. Marseille, managed by Roberto De Zerbi, are flying domestically in Ligue 1 when it comes to attacking output. They play fast, they take risks, and they don’t sit back. Mason Greenwood, still only 24 and playing his football in France now, has been central to that threat. He drifts inside, shoots early, and doesn’t hesitate.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is still leading the line at 36. Experience matters in games like this. He knows how to manage moments, slow things down, or spin in behind when you least expect it. Igor Paixão offers pace from wide areas, while Matt O’Riley and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg bring balance in midfield.
In terms of absences, Marseille won’t rush Nayef Aguerd back after his international duty. Derek Cornelius and Ruben Blanco remain sidelined, while Bilal Nadir’s late knock isn’t expected to keep him out.
Liverpool arrive with their own storylines. Arne Slot is still adjusting to life in England, managing the reigning Premier League champions. Dominik Szoboszlai continues to be vital. He’s the main penalty taker and usually the go-to for direct free-kicks too. When Liverpool need control or a moment of quality, he’s the one they look for.
Mohamed Salah’s situation hangs over the game. At 33, fresh off international duty with Egypt, it’s unclear whether he starts or even features. Slot may manage his minutes carefully. Alexander Isak remains out with injury, while Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are also unavailable. The rest of the squad looks healthy, though, with Alexis Mac Allister likely to bring energy into midfield.
Marseille should stick to what’s been working. Expect Gerónimo Rulli in goal. A back line of Murillo, Balerdi, Medina, and Emerson. Midfield likely sees O’Riley and Højbjerg anchoring things. Out wide, Timothy Weah and Paixão offer speed, Greenwood floats centrally, and Aubameyang leads the line.
Liverpool’s shape feels familiar. Alisson in goal. Frimpong and Robertson pushing on from full-back, Konaté and Van Dijk holding firm centrally. Mac Allister alongside Gravenberch in midfield. Ahead of them, Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz, and Cody Gakpo supporting Hugo Ekitike up front.
This feels like one of those games where both teams back themselves to score. Marseille won’t shut up shop. Liverpool won’t either. Neither side benefits from playing it safe here. Set-pieces could matter too, especially with Szoboszlai’s delivery and Marseille’s physical presence.
Honestly, it screams balance. Liverpool have too much quality to be pinned back for 90 minutes. Marseille have too much attacking confidence to go quiet at home. A draw feels fair when you line everything up.
Match Prediction: Draw. Bet with bet365.
A 2-2 scoreline makes sense. Goals at both ends. Periods where each side feels on top. Late drama wouldn’t surprise either.
Correct Score Prediction: Marseille 2-2 Liverpool. Bet with bet365.
Over goals makes sense given how both teams play, but don’t expect it to be reckless., though plenty of chances for both sides is likely.
Over/Under Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
For solid bet builder tips, it’s best to focus on match outcomes. Both teams to score combined with a draw fits the narrative. Add over 3.5 cards if you want bigger odds, because this won’t be played at walking pace.
Bet Builder Tip: Over 2.5 goals, both teams to score, over 3.5 cards to be shown, and match to be a draw. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
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It’s hard to split them. A draw looks like the most balanced outcome.
Kick-off is at 20:00 UK time.
At the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille.
A 2-2 draw feels realistic based on how both teams play.
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Racing expert Will Smith is sweet on a 2-star ** ante-post 14/1 EW selection for Saturday's Cleeve Hurdle on Cheltenham's Trials Day card.
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