[Albion] Brighton & Hove Albion vs Olympique de Marseille *** Official Match Thread ***

[Dick Head]

Albion v Marseille

EUROPA LEAGUE

Venue: The American Express Stadium
Date: Thursday 14th December 2023
Kick-off: 20:00 BST
Referee: José María Sánchez Martínez
Assistants: Raúl Cabañero Martínez , Iñigo Prieto López de Ceraín
Fourth Official: Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz
VAR: Juan Martínez Munuera
Additional VAR: Christian Dingert
UEFA Referee Observer: Markus Strömbergsson
UEFA Delegate:


​

Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi has said he wants the "prestige" of winning their Europa League group.

The Seagulls, who are guaranteed at least second place in Group B, host leaders Marseille on Thursday needing a win to top the pool and book their place in the last 16.

Failure to win would mean they enter February's play-offs.

"Marseille are a very good team, but we have the ambition to finish top of our group," De Zerbi said.

"It is a prestigious thing to finish at the top of the table, because we will play two games less in February, and also [prestigious] for the history of our club.

"We want to try to win because we are serious people. When we work, we always want to show our best and do our best."

While the eventual group winners will move straight into the last 16, the runners-up will face a play-off against one of the eight teams finishing third in their Champions League groups.

Brighton have no new selection concerns following Saturday's 1-1 draw against Burnley in the Premier League.

Jakub Moder will not be involved as the midfielder is not in the club's Europa League squad list, and De Zerbi is hopeful forward Danny Welbeck could return to the bench for Sunday's visit to his former club Arsenal having been out since late October with a muscle problem.

Roberto De Zerbi and Billy Gilmour's Marseille Press Conference

 

[Mortdecai]

 

[B-right-on]

Allez les bleus et blancs bandes.

Think we have enough to get this in the bag. A draw or loss isn't the end of the world but the win is really what we need and be straight through to the last 16. We've enough games without adding a couple more.

Buzzing, nervous but excited. Plus it's a significant Birfdey of mine today so do do it for me please lads if you don't mind

 

[Brok]

Into the next round today please lads, no excuses.



Oh.

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

It's got nul-all written all over it

 

[jcdenton08]

Fully expect us to lift the trophy this morning lads, no excuses. Let’s stick it to these bloody Germans - justice for the Falklands!

 

[Greg Bobkin]

This next game could be season-defining.

 

[maltaseagull]

At the airport on my way to see a fabulous victory

 

[Perfidious Albion]

Of course it would be great to finish top of the group but it’s no big deal if we come second. I’d like to avoid another fixture if we can. No predictions from me, there are too many unknowns but tonight at the Amex should be a cracker! It will be interesting to see/hear about their infamous fans.....
All the best to those that can go .... As always, win ,lose or draw

 

[Beach Hut]

So excited

 

[golddene]

Fully expect us to lift the trophy this morning lads, no excuses. Let’s stick it to these bloody Germans - justice for the Falklands!

Yeah frogs and their Exocets can do one

 

[Mustafa II]

This, for me personally, has the potential to be the biggest game in our history... should we win, at least.

Regardless of what happens to the rest of our season and our future - if we win tonight, we will always talk about the season where we topped the Europa League group with Ajax, Marseille and AEK Athens.

Please make it happen BHA

 

[Dick Head]

So excited

were loose

 

[JackB247]

Marseille in decent form domestically, going to be a tough one. First goal crucial. Hopeful, rather than expectant

 

[Official Old Man]

Just finishing our European Christmas Market tour. In Arras this morning and heading for the tunnel shortly.

 

[A1X]

Most instances of the letter Z in any set of officials at an Albion game? Tough to beat.

 

[NottinghamGull]

So looking forward to this game. Getting ready for drive to Eastbourne so I can catch the train and enjoy the full match experience this evening. No leaving early tonight. No 2am back home. Alcohol allowed. Whatever the result, I will enjoy today to the max.

 

[heathgate]

Enjoy your evening, I put my ticket on the exchange, I have had a bit of a full week, plus a heavy cold.... will watch it from the comfort of my sitting room with the log burner on.....

Tough game, but as others have said, we are already through to another game... 2-0 to the good guys.

 

[Greg Bobkin]

were loose

Defiantly.

 

[El Turi]

A win would be great but at least we have the fall back of qualifying no matter what the result is. Other than AC Milan, the 3rd placed Champions League teams don’t look too daunting.