Valencia and Marseille rarely meet, but it’s always tight when they do. One win each in two past clashes, and now they face off in Tarragona.
Valencia are chasing rhythm after a slow start to preseason. Marseille are unbeaten and sharp. With both teams nearing the real thing, this won’t just be a friendly.
Valencia vs Marseille: Key Stats
Head-to-head: 1 win each from 2 meetings
Last meeting: Valencia 1–0 Marseille (Aug 2010)
Marseille are unbeaten in 3 preseason matches so far
Marseille scored 2+ goals in each of their last 3 games
xG: Valencia (1.36 per home match) vs Marseille (1.98 away)
What to Expect From Both Teams
Valencia;
Corberán’s Valencia are well-drilled and better prepared than they were last summer. They’ve added stability at the back with Copete and Agirrezabala, while still adjusting after losing Mosquera to Arsenal. Expect a disciplined 4-1-4-1 setup with Pepelu anchoring midfield. Their home form is strong, and Corberán will want to build belief before the season kicks off.
Marseille;De Zerbi’s side is already playing with confidence. They’ve kept most of last season’s core and added firepower. Hojbjerg, Greenwood, Aubameyang, and Rowe make them more dangerous in every area. Their full-backs push high, their midfield rotates smoothly, and they look sharp in transition. They’ve struggled away at times, but this game gives them a chance to show growth in that area.
Predicted Lineups
Valencia (4-1-4-1)🟠: Agirrezabala; Iranzo, Tàrrega, Cömert, Vázquez; Pepelu; Almeida, Canós, Rioja, Gómez; Duro
Marseille (4-3-3)🔵: Rulli; Murillo, Balerdi, Medina, Garcia; Angel, Rabiot, Højbjerg; Greenwood, Gouiri, Rowe
Matchups & Players to Watch
De Zerbi vs Corberán: Two detailed coaches, one possession-based, the other built on structure
Greenwood wide right: Dangerous cutting in, and links well with overlapping full-backs
Pepelu vs. Rabiot: Central battle for tempo, balance, and second balls
Odds Market on MSport
💵 Marseille to win: 2.40
💵 Over 2.5 goals: 1.57
It’s just preseason on paper, but both clubs are chasing more than fitness. Corberán wants to prove last season’s escape was just the beginning. De Zerbi wants to sharpen his team for Europe. One side's stability vs another's spark. Valencia vs Marseille. Who takes control?
