Villarreal predicted XI v Marseille: Eric Bailly set for Vélodrome return | OneFootball

Following his unsuccessful loan spell at Olympique de Marseille last season, Eric Bailly is set to return to the Vélodrome as Villarreal face Les Phocéens in a UEFA Europa League Round of 16 tie on Thursday.

With Raul Albiol absent, Bailly is expected to start for the La Liga side, alongside Jorge Cuenca. Former Spain international Albiol is one of six notable absentees for Villarreal. Juan Foyth, Alfonso Pedraza, Denis Suarez, Ramon Terrats and Yeremy Pino all miss out on the first leg through injury.

Bailly isn’t the only member of Villarreal’s travelling party to return to the Vélodrome. Marcelino managed Marseille earlier this season but left in acrimonious circumstances after just seven official games in the dugout. He is sure to get a hostile reception in what will be a fiery occasion.

Villarreal likely lineup v Marseille

Pepe Reina; Alberto Moreno, Jorge Cuenca, Eric Bailly, Yerson Mosquera; Álex Baena, Francis Coquelin, Santi Comesaña, Ilias Akhomach; Gerard Moreno, Gonçalo Guedes. (L’Éq)

GFFN | Luke Entwistle