Monaco vs Barcelona Prediction - Champions League

The UEFA Champions League kicks off with a thrilling encounter as AS Monaco hosts FC Barcelona at Stade Louis II. Despite the home side’s impressive 3-0 victory in their last meeting, the bookmakers favor Barcelona to win this time around, with odds set at 1.75 for an away victory.

Barcelona, under new coach Hansi Flick, has stormed through La Liga with a perfect start but faces a few injury challenges. Nevertheless, the team remains formidable with players like Robert Lewandowski and the young prodigy Lamine Yamal, who has been in stellar form.

Monaco, led by Adi Hütter, will rely on their solid defensive record and home advantage, yet are expected to struggle given Barcelona’s scoring prowess.

Our tip: expect Barcelona to claim all three points.

Monaco vs Barcelona Prediction & Betting tip

The highly anticipated Champions League matchup between AS Monaco and FC Barcelona sees the visitors favored by a decent margin. Given Barcelona’s current form and their recent scoring spree, our recommended bet is for Barcelona to win. Barcelona’s attacking prowess, highlighted by Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal, presents a significant challenge for Monaco. Although Monaco has shown defensive resilience in their recent matches, the odds and form clearly suggest Barcelona will likely emerge victorious.

• Barcelona’s superior form, having won all their last five matches.
• Monaco’s struggles in the tournament, failing to win in 14 consecutive matches.
• Barcelona’s consistent scoring record in the Champions League, netting in their last 6 matches. Expect an engaging match where Barcelona’s offensive capability is predicted to shine through.

Monaco vs Barcelona Odds

The betting odds clearly favor Barcelona in this Champions League opener. Despite Monaco’s recent win over Barcelona in a friendly, the Spanish giants are positioned as the favorites by a significant margin. Barcelona’s recent defensive form and striking capabilities are contributing factors to these odds. Below is a breakdown of the betting odds for this match:

Monaco Team Analysis

Monaco has shown solid form recently, remaining unbeaten in their last five games. Their results include:

• A 3-0 win against Auxerre
• A 1-1 draw with Lens
• A 2-0 victory over Lyon
• A 1-0 win against Saint-Etienne
• An emphatic 3-0 victory over Barcelona in their last encounter

Monaco’s resilient defense has kept four clean sheets out of five, conceding just once. They average 2 goals per game, making them a competitive side despite being ranked 23rd. Their solid performance, buoyed by Adi Hütter’s tactical nous, gives them a fighting chance against Barcelona.

Monaco Key Players

Monaco’s standout performers will be crucial in their Champions League opener against Barcelona. Though they don’t have a designated top scorer, they boast a solid squad with key players in every position. Denis Zakaria, known for his defensive capabilities, will play a pivotal role in the midfield alongside Soungoutou Magassa. Aleksandr Golovin will be vital in creating chances and unlocking Barcelona’s defense. Breel Embolo, leading the line in attack, will aim to replicate his recent form. Expected lineup for Monaco:

• Goalkeeper: Philipp Köhn
• Defenders: Vanderson, Thilo Kehrer, Mohammed Salisu, Caio Henrique
• Midfielders: Soungoutou Magassa, Denis Zakaria, Maghnes Akliouche, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Aleksandr Golovin
• Attacker: Breel Embolo Their defensive record, having kept four clean sheets in their last five games, is an asset they will lean on to counter Barcelona’s potent attacking threat, particularly from Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal.

Monaco Suspensions & Injuries

Monaco will have to navigate several injuries as they face Barcelona. Notably, key players Radosław Majecki and Edan Diop are sidelined, which may impact their defensive and midfield stability. Majecki and Diop are expected to return later in September, though their absence will test the team’s depth. Additionally, Mamadou Coulibaly and Lamine Camara’s injuries pose significant challenges to coach Adi Hütter’s squad rotation.

These absences might compel Monaco to adopt a more defensive approach, leaning heavily on their fit players to contain Barcelona’s attacking threats.

Monaco Tactics and Formation

Monaco Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Defensive Setup: Vanderson, Kehrer, Salisu, and Caio Henrique form a backline that has kept four clean sheets in the last five games.
• Midfield Pivot: Soungoutou Magassa and Denis Zakaria will anchor the midfield, providing both defensive stability and transitional play.
• Attack Dynamics: Maghnes Akliouche and Eliesse Ben Seghir are on the wings, with Aleksandr Golovin in the central attacking midfield role. Breel Embolo leads the attack up front.
• Tactical Approach: Expect Monaco to adopt a more defensive strategy due to the strength of their opponent, Barcelona. Quick counter-attacks will be crucial, utilizing Embolo’s pace and Golovin’s creative playmaking.
• Key Challenges: Handling the threat posed by Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski will require a collective defensive effort.

Monaco’s adaptability and defensive organization will be vital as they aim to secure a result against a formidable Barcelona side.

Barcelona Team Analysis

Barcelona have been in scintillating form, winning their last five matches. Their attack has been particularly potent, highlighted by their average of 3.40 goals scored per match and maintaining one clean sheet in the process. Key victories, such as the 7-0 thrashing of Real Valladolid, showcase their offensive prowess and defensive resilience.

Barcelona Key Players

Expected lineup for Barcelona:

• Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre ter Stegen
• Defenders: Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsí, Íñigo Martinez, Álex Balde
• Midfielders: Ferrán Torres, Marc Casado, Pedri
• Attackers: Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha

Barcelona’s attacking prowess will be on full display, especially with Robert Lewandowski leading the line. His clinical finishing and intelligent movement will be pivotal.

Pedri’s creativity in midfield, coupled with Ferrán Torres’ dynamism, ensures Barcelona can unlock even the tightest of defenses.

The battle between Lewandowski and Monaco’s Thilo Kehrer in defense will be key, as will Jules Kounde’s task of keeping Breel Embolo in check on the other end.

Barcelona Suspensions & Injuries

Barcelona heads into this match with several key absences due to injuries and suspensions, which may affect their overall team performance and depth.

Injuries

Barcelona’s injury list is quite extensive, featuring some notable players:

Suspensions

Barcelona Tactics and Formation

Formation: 4-3-3

• Key Forward: Robert Lewandowski
• Midfield Trio: Ferrán Torres, Marc Casado, Pedri
• Defensive Backbone: Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsí, Íñigo Martinez, Álex Balde Barcelona typically employs a 4-3-3 formation, allowing them to strike a balance between attack and defense.

Key Tactical Points:

• Offensive Prowess: With Lewandowski leading the line, supported by Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, their attack is both potent and fluid.
• Midfield Creativity: Pedri and Ferrán Torres are responsible for linking the midfield to the attack, providing creativity and maintaining possession.
• Defensive Rigidness: Despite some key injuries, the defensive structure remains robust, reinforced by Marc-André ter Stegen in goal and Kounde marshalling the backline. Barcelona’s strategy revolves around quick transitions, high pressing, and maintaining control of the ball to capitalize on their scoring opportunities.