UCL Preview: Marseille-Newcastle
In a rematch of the 2004 UEFA Cup semifinals, Olympique de Marseille welcome Newcastle in a crucial Champions League match. Get all the latest from the Véldrôme with our match preview
Kondogbia is back in the fold
Despite a stellar performance against OGC Nice on Friday -- a 5-1 win which saw them go top of Ligue 1 McDonald's provisionally, it's hardly been an easy road of late for Olympique de Marseille. Injuries and suspensions have undone the tactical scheming of Roberto de Zerbi and his side have stumbled at crucial moments, particularly in European losses to Atalanta and Sporting Club de Portugal. Against Newcastle, de Zerbi will be missing three key defenders -- Facundo Medina, Amir Murrillo and Nayef Aguerd, but will take heart from the return of veteran midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia.
Despite strong starts to the season from Matt O'Riley and Angel Gomes since arriving this summer, l'OM's stability in midfield will be key, especially against what is a strong suit for the visitors. As de Zerbi said, "Newcastle is a very strong, very physical team. It will be a difficult match, like all the others. There are four matches left, and we can take points from each one." This confidence will be key as Marseille still have Liverpool to play and remain just outside of the top 24.
Back in @ChampionsLeague action tomorrow 💪 pic.twitter.com/M39p3GLnTF
— Olympique de Marseille 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 (@OM_English) November 24, 2025
Beating City to be a confidence booster?
As for the Toon, Newcastle were impressive to the utmost at the weekend as they upended Manchester City at the weekend, an impressive result that pulled them away from the relegation fight and underscored the potential they've shown in Europe to date, having won three of four matches in Europe's top competition to date.
Speaking to the media today, manager Eddie Howe underscored that consisitency was key for him -- the big results must be backed up by strong play against teams that aren't quite of European calibre. Said Howe, "We have played well in one-off games; now we are looking for consistency. We are hoping to perform and bring everything together as this will be a tough game for us."
Predicted lineups
Olympique de Marseille (4-3-3): Rulli; Weah, Pavard, Balerdi, Emerson; Højbjerg, O’Riley, Vermeeren (or Kondogbia); Greenwood, Aubameyang, Paixão
Newcastled United (4-3-3): Pope; Livramento, Thiaw, Botman, Burn; Bruno Guimarães, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Woltemade, Barnes
