UEFA Europa League Finals - Preview 

The Europa League finals have finally arrived, as both teams prepare to battle it out for an automatic bid into the Champions League next season.

This years version of events offers up two traditional heavy-weights in their respected leagues. We should be in store for a real treat when these two storied sides kick off in Lyon on Wednesday night.

Enjoy UEFA's secondary tournament, as we prepare for Liverpool and Real Madrid in less than two weeks time, this match-up is a tasty appetizer of what is too come in the world of club football.

20501 Marseille vs. 20502 Atletico Madrid 

Parc Olympique Lyonnais, Lyon, France

5-16-2018 - 2:45 pm ET 

The country of France will be behind one of their own during Wednesday's fixture, as Marseille make the short trip north to the magnificent Parc Olympique Lyonnais in the city of Lyon. While Spanish outfit Atletico Madrid pack up with their loyal supporters, and look to leave France with yet another Europa league title under Diego Simeone's reign.

Marseille will obviously have the home field advantage in this specific match-up, as they are only playing three hours from the Orange Velodrome. The French outfit though will start this game as underdogs against their Spanish guests, which should give them additional motivation to have an inspired effort to guarantee a spot in Europe's top tournament next campaign.

'Les Olympiens' have struggled as of late domestically, playing on multiple fronts this season has noticeably shown wear and tear to their squad, placing them in a must win situation to guarantee their spot in the Champions League 

Rudi Garcia has reinvigorated these French giants after several years of mediocre play in Ligue One. The Phocaeans earned a bid to the Europa league upon Garcia's arrival, and now sit on the brink of returning to the Champions League for the first time since the 2013-2014 season.

Dimitri Payet has help spark the revitalization in southern France, after a brief stint in the Premier League with West Ham, Payet returned home to his beloved Marseille side with aspirations of winning trophies.

Payet is clearly the Olympians most dynamic play-maker, the French-man offers a creative array of passes and crosses in Garcia's plan of attack, while placing pin-point through balls on a string to his designated target men in the attacking half. Expect the talented midfielder to take charge of Free Kicks and Set Piece situations, where he can single handedly change the outcome of a match.

Valere Germain looks get the start as the primary striker in Marseille's 4-2-3-1 formation, with Kostas Mitroglou doubtful with injury, Germain should relish the opportunity to lead the line for the same club his father played for during his career.

Florian Thauvin could be the true X-factor for his side, the Phocaeans midfielder has accounted for 26 Goals scored in all competitions, his pure athleticism and skill gives him a clear advantage over most defenders.  Thauvin should certainly draw a large amount of attention from the Atletico defenders, but his presence on the pitch gives the Olympians a true game changer over the course of 90 minutes.

OM have proven to be a dynamic club this season, creating opportunities to score through both team and individual skill. The Ligue One side are also effective in quick counter attacking scenarios, using their pace down the wings to penetrate opposing back-lines on a regular basis. They will face one of the more stingy defenses in Europe, testing Marseilles patient during this Europa league final.

Marseille have been successful in finding the back of the net during their European travels, scoring an average of 1.75 Goals per match, in their last 7 Europa League away fixtures. 

Atletico Madrid arrived in France full of optimism, the Madrid outfit have become regulars in UEFA league finals, playing in the Champions league finals two of the last four years, they now take their shot at adding silverware too their trophy case.

Diego Simeone leads his scrappy side to Lyon having had great success in Europa competitions, 'El Cholo' grabbed the title in his first season as manager with the club. 

Atleti are in line to field their strongest possible line-up, with Antoine Griezmann and Diego Costa set to lead the line for 'Los Rojiblancos'.

The combination of Griezmann and Costa are a fierce tandem within Atletico's 4-4-2 formation, offering both strength and pace between the two danger men, with 34 combined Goals scored in all competitions, the Madrid offense relies heavily on these talented target men to carry the load.

Saúl Ñíguez is the Madrid sides secret weapon, the Spain International always seems to come up with a memorable moment on the largest stages. Saúl is a prime example of the Atleti spirit, his motor never stops which often places him in the right position to succeed, his long range shooting ability must be accounted for by the Marseille back-line, keeping the French unit honest when the ball is at his feet from distance.

Jan Oblak may continue to be the most important player Atletico's starting eleven, the talented net minder has continued to be one of the best goal keepers in Europe. Oblak has been a brick wall for the Spanish unit during his time with the club, Wednesday we should see another solid performance from this world class keeper.

The Spaniard's are known for being physical with their opponents, using their aggression to create turnovers, which lead to quick counter attacking strikes.
This method of play has proved positive for Atleti all season, they will look to cause havoc, and eventually get out in the open field and place the ball in the back of the net. 

Atletico Madrid have also experienced a great amount of success away from their own pitch in European play, scoring an average of 2.5 Goals per match, in their last 4 Europa League away fixtures.

Prediction:

This match-up has all the makings of a low scoring cagey affair, even with a plethora of high profiled players spread throughout the pitch, each team will want to limit the other on the offensive ends.

Both clubs are highly effective in Counter attacking scenarios, with pace down their wings their should be a couple of moments by each club to hit the back of the net against one another.

Expect a defensive mindset from start to finish in this Europa League finals, with Marseille holding the slight advantage by playing on French soil. A Draw would seem likely, with extra time or penalties to decide this fixture in Lyon.

Best Of Luck To All