Marseille vs Arsenal Betting Preview

This will be the first meeting of these two sides in their history – both in a similar position domestically as they struggle for consistency and both undefeated against the same opposition in the Champions league. At the moment, Marseille are edging Arsenal at the top of group F – however everything is to play for coming into this fixture – the victor securing the top spot as these two opposition jostle for the number 1 placing. What is certain with this match is it is sure to be an exciting fixture, as neither side looks to surrender their unbeaten Champions League status.

Marseille vs Arsenal Betting Betting odds

Marseille

Marseille look to this game not only having won both of their previous fixtures – they are also yet to concede this season in the Champions League and adding to that, the hosts have scored four already. Marseille, if victorious against The Gunners, will be able to secure a stronghold on the Group and put five points between themselves and Wednesday’s opposition. It’s plain to see the Frenchmen will be going all-out to claim a home-victory which would essentially book their place and could prove priceless in the hunt for qualification to the latter rounds.

Marseille have performed well in the champions League, especially against British opposition – the white and blues have won seven of their last nine fixtures against UK opposition, most recently beating Chelsea 1-0 in last season’s group stages. Many punters will be backing Marseille to continue their winning trend against Arsenal. Punters will also certainly be looking at Marseille to continue their to-date record of no goals conceded in the Champions League – a competition that, like Arsenal, has been more favourable than the French side’s domestic matches in Ligue 1.

It is the domestic form of Marseille that will have The Gooners fans heading to France with hope of a win – The French side struggling for form when Saturday comes, often failing to apply the cutting-edge that has seen them prosper so far in the Champions League. Marseille will have to defend well and win the midfield battle and will looking to get in front quickly, dictating the play and bring the game to Arsenal. Loic Remy, who has been often scintillating for Marseille and France so far this season, will be the man to watch in this game and is a value bet to score first against the red and whites.

Arsenal

The Gunners have yet to find their feet at the start of this premier League season – as the glory days of unbeaten seasons fades further into the past, its legacy has paved the way for a mixed bag of surprising losses and spectacular wins to seemingly take its place. That said Arsenal are still a serious force to be reckoned with in Europe and should be discredited at a punter’s peril. It has been the Champions League that has provided some solace for the North-Londoners, who are also yet to lose in Europe – winning one and drawing another as they bid to progress beyond the group stages.

Wenger’s men will have been well informed by the Frenchman of Marseille’s capabilities and at the importance of this fixture – a win would see them further cement their group position – in fact, a win will put the Gooners on top. I’m certainly backing Arsenal to come out fighting in a competition which has been a happier hunting ground for the Red and Whites in recent years.

Arsenal remain unbeaten in Group F, having scored 2 and conceded 1 as they head to the Stade Velodrome to face the current group leaders – the first time the two have met in their group and the two who punters will certainly be backing to qualify to the latter stages.

The major statistic that will prick the punter’s ears is Arsenal’s record against French opposition – having never lost away to a French club in their history. The Gunner’s last defeat in France in fact came during the 2006 Champions League Final – however their opposition that evening was Barcelona. Wenger will certainly be going into this game with every intention to keep their record in tact as they look to down another French side in Europe.

Arsenal have put their Spurs misery behind them and now come off the back of a vital league win against Sunderland, which saw Robin Van Persie net two goals in brilliant performance – again proving his quality. I’m certainly backing Van Persie to continue his run on Wednesday and he is a punter’s go-to player for Arsenal goals.

Betting Verdict

In order for Arsenal to win in France they will have to defend well, which has been a problem for the Gunners this season, compounded by the troubling loss to Sagna against arch rivals Spurs. Crucial to a Gunners win is silencing striker Loic Remy who has been a shining light for Marseille and for France this season. Remy has been terrifying defences with his pace and ability this season and he is certainly one for punters to watch at first goalscorer. Marseille will look to utilise their main Champions League outlet so far this season in the form of Andre Ayew who has already bagged two goals in 89 minutes of football for the French side. He is another punters should keep their eye on in this game.

Arsenal have often had trouble when going behind this season and will be looking to get an early lead against Marseille. Robin Van Persie is sure to be in the hunt for goals midweek and will be full of confidence – he is a solid bet to be first goalscorer. Marseille will also have to deal with Arsenal’s strength in midfield with the likes of Mikel Arteta and the pace of Theo Walcott, which is sure to give the opposition limited time on the ball. Marseille will most likely be going into this game as the favourites with the punters, but an Arsenal win could pay out big with the right bet and we all know that Arsenal are the team that can never be written off.

Match Prediction: Marseille to Win 2-1 – 17/2 Sky Bet

Value Bet 1: Loic Remy First Goalscorer – 13/2 Victor Chandler

Value Bet 2: Arsenal to Win – 21/10 Ladbrokes

For a full list of free bets for this match and all the other Champions League action this week, visit our free bets section.

Article by Ben Grittiths

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