Albion fans begin the first European jaunt today hoping to see their side shine in France.

The Seagulls squad will arrive in Provence in late afternoon ahead of their first Europa League away game as they face Marseille at Stade Velodrome tomorrow.

A sell-out is expected at OM’s cavernous, raucous home – including 2,675 in the away section.

As of yesterday, less than 1,000 tickets remained at a venue which has been hosting rugby World Cup fixtures of late.

Many Seagulls fans will be making the trip today and they should be prepared for the weather.

Conditions throughout the day will be hot and sunny with temperatures in the high 20s.

That will relent just a little at kick-off time, which is 5.45pm, but not the energy-sapping humidity.

Among the big calls for Albion boss Robert De Zerbi – who will face the media early this evening – will be in midfield, where his side were overpowered at Aston Villa on Saturday.

He had hoped Pascal Gross could play some part after a recent muscular injury and we should learn more about that today.

This could be a chance to give Carlos Baleba a chance to shine.

The former Lille man is still adapting to Albion’s style of play but will know about the French opponents.

Baleba impressed in midfield when he helped Lille beat OM towards the end of last season.

De Zerbi said on Saturday: “Baleba is not ready yet. He has to improve, he has to understand our style.”