Bayer Leverkusen will look to maintain their flawless start to the Europa League when they welcome Marseille to the BayArena on Thursday evening.

The German side have won all three of their league-phase fixtures and sit second in the standings, while Marseille find themselves in a desperate position after losing each of their opening three matches and slipping towards an early European exit.

Bayer Leverkusen

Leverkusen have been one of the standout performers in this season’s Europa League.

Carles Martinez’s men have taken maximum points from their first three outings, scoring eight goals without conceding once. Their latest continental success came in a controlled 2-0 victory over OFI Crete, further strengthening their position among the competition’s frontrunners.

Domestic form has been less convincing. Since that win in Greece, Leverkusen have suffered two Bundesliga defeats and were most recently beaten 4-2 by Stuttgart, a result that dropped them to sixth in the table and ended their perfect home record for the season.

Even so, BayArena remains a difficult venue. Leverkusen won their first five home matches of the campaign, and their European performances there have been particularly authoritative.

Team News

The biggest concern for Martinez is an injury crisis in attack. Eliesse Ben Seghir, Martin Terrier, Christian Kofane and Moussa Diaby are all unavailable, significantly reducing options in the final third.

Patrik Schick is expected to lead the line again, supported by Lucas Vazquez, Ibrahim Maza and Afonso Moreira.

With right-back Guela Doue unavailable too, former Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah is likely to get the nod.

Marseille

Marseille’s Europa League campaign is rapidly becoming a crisis.

The French club have lost all three of their league-phase fixtures and are currently languishing near the bottom of the standings. Their hopes of qualification are fading quickly, meaning another defeat could leave them facing an uphill battle to remain in the competition.

Ironically, domestic form has improved considerably. Bruno Genesio’s side have won four consecutive Ligue 1 matches and climbed closer to the European qualification places in France.

However, concerns remain, particularly away from home. Marseille have lost seven of their last 10 away matches in all competitions and have already suffered four defeats in six road fixtures this season.

Defensively, inconsistency continues to be a problem. While Marseille have scored freely during their recent resurgence, they have also struggled to keep clean sheets, conceding seven goals across their last six games.

Team News

Amine Gouiri is expected to spearhead the attack, with support coming from a midfield trio likely to feature Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Himad Abdelli and Tochukwu Nnadi.

Left-back Emerson Palmieri might be given a rest after he avoided serious injury against Toulouse on Sunday, in which case his place should be taken by Ulisses Garcia.

Key Factors to Consider

• Bayer Leverkusen have won all three Europa League matches this season.
• The German side have scored eight goals and conceded none in Europe.
• Marseille are still without a point after three league-phase fixtures.
• The French side have lost seven of their last 10 away matches.
• Leverkusen have significant injury problems in attack.
• Marseille have won four consecutive Ligue 1 matches.

Conclusion

Marseille’s recent domestic improvement suggests they should provide a sterner challenge than their Europa League results indicate.

However, their struggles away from home and poor defensive record in Europe make this a difficult assignment. Leverkusen have already demonstrated their ability to control matches at this level and continue to look far more balanced despite their attacking injury problems.

The visitors may create opportunities, but Leverkusen’s European confidence and home advantage should be enough to extend their perfect start to the league phase.

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 41/100

Bookmaker: 20bet