Marseille vs Atalanta Preview, Lineups & Prediction | Champions League Matchday 4
The fourth matchday of the 2025/26 Champions League league stage features a clash between outsiders and a rematch of the 2023/24 Europa League semi-finals.
In this article, we cover the predicted lineups, latest injury news, head-to-head record, betting odds and a score prediction for Marseille versus Atalanta on Wednesday.
Marseille sit second in Ligue 1 with 22 points from their first 11 domestic matches. Roberto De Zerbi's men boast the best attacking record in France, averaging 2.27 goals per game.
Atalanta have been far less convincing in their domestic campaign, sitting 11th in Serie A with 13 points from 10 matches.
Marseille vs. Atalanta Head-to-Head Record
Marseille and Atalanta have met twice before, dating back to 2024 when they faced each other in the semi-finals of the 2023/24 Europa League.
The first leg at the Velodrome ended in a 1-1 draw before Atalanta booked their place in the final with a 3-0 home win.
Fixture Trivia
Matchday 4 Trivia: Who scored the winning goal for Marseille in the final against AC Milan, securing the club's only Champions League title?
Betting Odds and Predictions for Marseille vs. Atalanta
UEFA Champions League Odds Comparisons
Moneyline Odds
DraftKings: OM +105 Draw +270, ATA +240
FanDuel: OM +105 Draw +270, ATA +240
BetMGM: OM +105 Draw +260, ATA +240
Bet365: OM +110 Draw +280, ATA +225
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RECENT FORM
Marseille (WLLDW) are averaging 2.2 goals per match across their last five fixtures in all competitions. In their three Champions League games, they have conceded only two goals from open play while scoring five.
Atalanta (DDDDL) have failed to score more than once in each of their last five matches and have not won since late September, when they beat Club Brugge in the Champions League.
FORMATIONS
Marseille are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation under Roberto De Zerbi to adapt to Atalanta. His fast-paced transitional play and high-pressing approach demand a strong work rate from his central players. In possession, expect OM to use wide areas after central combinations in midfield, allowing their wingers to find space between the lines and create numerical superiority in the final third.
Ivan Juric has retained his predecessor's typical 3-4-2-1 setup, but the team has struggled to find consistency this season. Atalanta will still pose a threat going forward, especially with Ademola Lookman rediscovering his finishing touch.
LINEUP NOTES & INJURY NEWS
Champions League Predicted & Confirmed Lineups
Marseille Injury & Lineup News
Roberto De Zerbi has been dealing with several injuries recently and will be without a number of key players, including Amine Gouiri (shoulder), Geoffrey Kondogbia (calf), Facundo Medina (ankle) as well as Timothy Weah (thigh), Nayef Aguerd (hip) and Leonardo Balerdi (calf) who all remain sidelined for Wednesday's clash against the Italians. Marseille will also be without Emerson Palmieri due to suspension after that he received a straight red card in the last match against Sporting CP.
Atalanta Injury & Lineup News
Mitchel Bakker (knee) is out until next year. Daniel Maldini (thigh) missed the last match with a minor issue and isn't expected to see much playing time even when available. Sead Kolasinac (knee) has yet to feature for Atalanta this season and was an unused substitute against AC Milan last week. Marten De Roon (thigh) is hoping to return in time to start in midfield at the Velodrome, otherwise Mario Pasalic will likely take his place.
KEY MATCHUPS
Midfield Dominance
Roberto De Zerbi's Marseille operate with a fluid midfield led by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who often drops between the center-backs to dictate the tempo and launch possession from deep. Alongside him, Arthur Vermeeren provides vertical drive, connecting play and breaking lines with forward runs, while Matt O'Riley offers balance and endurance when selected. This midfield setup allows Marseille to transition quickly between buildup and attack without compromising their defensive shape.
Atalanta's midfield, meanwhile, is powered by the relentless energy of Ederson, whose blend of physicality and control anchors their pressing approach. He is supported by Marten De Roon if fit, or Mario Pasalic, who excels at timing late runs into the box. Their collective strength lies in compactness and work rate rather than positional rotation.
The midfield duel between Marseille's fluidity and Atalanta's discipline will likely determine who controls rhythm and territory on Wednesday at the Velodrome.
Marseille offensive trio will be key
Marseille's attacking trio of Igor Paixao, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Mason Greenwood offers a blend of pace, precision, and unpredictability. Aubameyang remains the focal point through the middle, constantly looking to exploit the space behind the defense, while Greenwood drifts inside from the right to create shooting angles on his left foot. Paixao stretches play wide on the left, forcing defenders to turn toward their own goal and opening gaps for late midfield runs.
Atalanta's backline, anchored by Berat Djimsiti, Isak Hien, and Odilon Kossounou, relies on anticipation and collective movement rather than outright pace. Their man-oriented defensive system demands constant communication and discipline, especially when facing a fluid attacking trio like Marseille's. With wing-backs often pushing high, any lapse in cover could leave Atalanta vulnerable to quick diagonal passes or off-the-shoulder runs from Aubameyang.
Ultimately, this battle will hinge on whether Atalanta's positional discipline can contain Marseille's vertical bursts or if the French side's front three can exploit defensive gaps to create decisive moments.
Rulli's Influence on games
Geronimo Rulli has quietly become one of Marseille's most influential figures, especially in the Champions League. His commanding performance in the opener against Real Madrid, highlighted by a series of reflex saves on point-blank efforts from their attack, set the tone for the club's European campaign. Beyond his shot-stopping, Rulli's composure in possession and ability to spark quick transitions have become essential to Roberto De Zerbi's system. His sharp instincts in one-on-one situations and leadership in organizing the backline make him a crucial last line of defense against an Atalanta side that thrives on chaos inside the box.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Mason Greenwood is expected to attack from Marseille's right flank as he looks to replicate his Ligue 1 performances on the big stage. Given Greenwood's pace and vision, he is likely to cause problems for Atalanta's backline, especially during quick transitions that will allow him to link up with experienced striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has yet to digest the semi-final defeat in 2023/24 and will be eager for revenge on Wednesday, and newcomer Igor Paixao, who has rediscovered his best form and will be a constant threat in one-on-one situations.
Across his 13 appearances in all competitions this season, Greenwood has contributed 12 goals and will look to add to that tally after being rested for the clash against Auxerre at the Abbe-Deschamps.
PREDICTED RESULT
Marseille 3 - Atalanta 1
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Marseille: Nov. 25 vs. Newcastle United
Atalanta: Nov. 26 at Eintracht Frankfurt
