Brighton host Olympique Marseille, in the final round of group stage matches, in the Europa League at the Amex Stadium tonight and, based on this season’s performance data so far, the two teams are quite some distance apart.
In Ligue 1, the 1993 European Cup winners, Marseille, have amassed 23 points, underperforming relative to their expected points (xPoints) of 26.82, placing them 7th in points ranking but 3rd in xPoints ranking.
Brighton, on the other hand, have overperformed with 26 points against an xPoints of 24.25, ranking 8th in points and 9th in xPoints.
Marseille’s attacking efficiency is highlighted by their 22 goals and an xG of 22.96, with a non-penalty xG (npxG) per shot of 0.11, indicating slightly above-average shot quality. They rank 3rd in goals scored, suggesting effective finishing. Their style involves frequent touches in the opponent’s box (25.27 per 90, ranking 5th) and high expected assists from crosses (0.34 per 90, ranking 2nd). However, they rank low in successful dribbles per 90 (16th).
Brighton has scored 33 goals with an xG of 28.58, also with an npxG per shot of 0.11. They excel in touches in the opponent’s box (33.75 per 90, ranking 4th) and maintain a decent rank in successful dribbles per 90 (10th). Their lower percentage of xG from counters (3.4%) and set pieces (12.65%) suggests a more possession-based approach.
Defensively, Marseille has been more efficient, with an xGA of 14.1, ranking 2nd in the league. They are less vulnerable to counters, with only 6.89% of their xGA coming from such attacks (ranking 8th). Brighton’s xGA is higher at 24.99, ranking 9th, and they are particularly susceptible to counters, with 14.68% of xGA from counters (ranking 20th).
In terms of style, Brighton shows a more aggressive defensive approach, with better rankings in Build Up Disruption (5th), Gegenpressing Intensity (4th), and Gegenpressing Efficiency (4th). Marseille’s metrics in these areas are more average, with no top or bottom 3 rankings.
In conclusion, while Brighton has outperformed Marseille in terms of points and goals scored, Marseille’s xPoints and defensive metrics suggest they may be the more robust team overall. Brighton’s aggressive defensive style contrasts with Marseille’s balanced approach. Both teams have shown attacking efficiency, but Brighton’s higher goal tally and possession-based style stand out.
Written using AIDA to support Analysis.