Predicted Liverpool XI vs Marseille: Salah Returns to Squad; Szoboszlai Tipped to Start

Marseille will host Liverpool at the Stade Vélodrome on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in a crucial UEFA Champions League league-phase matchday 7 clash. Both teams are vying for top-8 finishes to secure automatic qualification to the knockout rounds, with Marseille favored at home and Liverpool aiming to leverage their strong European form despite domestic struggles.[1][2][4]

Marseille Predicted Lineup (3-5-2)

Geronimo Rulli (GK); Amir Murillo, Nayef Aguerd, Emerson; Timothy Weah, Arthur Vermeeren, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Matthew O'Riley, Igor Paixao; Mason Greenwood, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.[2][3]

Marseille boasts potent attacking options, led by Greenwood (7 goals) and Aubameyang (4 goals, 5 assists). The side sits 3rd in Ligue 1 and has shown home strength under Roberto De Zerbi, featuring ex-Premier League stars like Højbjerg, Aguerd, and Angel Gomes. Injuries rule out Benjamin Pavard, Derek Cornelius (muscle), and Ruben Blanco (knee), with Bilal Nadir doubtful.[3][4][5]

Liverpool Predicted Lineup (4-4-2)

Alisson Becker (GK); Joseph Gomez, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson; Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones; Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike.[2][3][9]

Mo Salah is tipped to return after AFCON duty, boosting Arne Slot's squad currently 4th in the Premier League. Szoboszlai is expected to start in midfield alongside Mac Allister and Gravenberch. Liverpool has won four of six UCL games but misses Alexander Isak (leg), Conor Bradley (knee), Giovanni Leoni (knee), and Stefan Bajcetic (injury).[1][3][4][6]

Predictions vary: some favor Marseille 3-2 due to home advantage and attack, while others back Liverpool at -106 odds. Kick-off is 8pm GMT (15:00 local), with both sides desperate for points in a tight standings battle.[1][2][5]

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