Marseille and Olympiakos set for tactical battle in Europa League clash

Marseille host Olympiakos at the Velodrome on Thursday, 15 October 2026, with both sides expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation for their second match in the Europa League league phase.

The match is scheduled to begin at 19:00 GMT, with Marseille looking to make home advantage count against an Olympiakos side that won its opening European fixture.

Marseille expected to use 4-2-3-1

Bruno Genesio is expected to select his preferred 4-2-3-1 system for Olympique de Marseille.

The formation would give Marseille a double pivot in midfield, helping to protect the defence while providing a platform for attacks. A central attacking midfielder would operate behind the main striker, with two wide players expected to provide pace and width from the flanks.

That structure is intended to maintain balance without limiting Marseille’s attacking threat at home.

The probable Marseille line-up is:

Goalkeeper: De Lange

Defenders: Emerson, Nayef Aguerd, Egan-Riley, Weah

Midfielders: Geoffrey Kondogbia, Tochukwu Nnadi; Paixao, Gomes, Amine Harit

Forward: Amine Gouiri

Olympiakos likely to mirror opponents

Olympiakos are also expected to adopt a 4-2-3-1, setting up a tactical contest in which both teams use a similar shape.

The Greek side’s system also relies on two midfielders tasked with winning possession and disrupting the opposition’s play. In front of them, a mobile attacking trio would support a recognised number nine.

That approach has provided Olympiakos with stability since the beginning of the season and helped them secure victory in their first European match.

The probable Olympiakos line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Ortega

Defenders: Tiknizyan, Pirola, Retsos, Saliakis

Midfielders: Freuler, Hezze; Martins, Chiquinho, Jota Silva

Forward: Marius Mouandilmadji

The fixture forms part of the second matchday of the Europa League league phase, with Marseille aiming to collect their first points of the campaign and Olympiakos seeking to build on their opening success.

Betting prices listed before the match put Marseille at 2.27 to win. A draw is priced at 3.63, while an Olympiakos victory is rated at 3.17.