A glamour tie in the UEFA Champions League group stage is set for the picturesque Stade Louis II, as French giants AS Monaco prepare to take on the might of Manchester City. This fixture immediately evokes memories of one of the most thrilling knockout ties in recent Champions League history, a 12-goal epic in 2017 that saw a Kylian Mbappé-inspired Monaco dump Pep Guardiola’s City out of the competition. Both clubs arrive for this renewal of hostilities as two of Europe’s most potent attacking forces, promising another unmissable spectacle.
With both teams starting their domestic campaigns in formidable fashion, this is a heavyweight clash that will go a long way in shaping the final standings of the group. This detailed Monaco vs Man City betting preview will analyse whether history can repeat itself or if the modern-day City machine will prove too powerful.
Monaco Vs Man City match preview/Betting preview
Team Recent Form
Both clubs come into this blockbuster European tie in superb form, dispatching domestic opponents with ease. Monaco have been lighting up Ligue 1 with their free-scoring football under Adi Hütter, making them a dangerous opponent for anyone on home soil. Manchester City, as ever, have been a model of supreme consistency in the Premier League, looking every bit the European powerhouse they have become under Pep Guardiola.
- Monaco: W-W-D-W-L
- Man City: W-W-W-D-W
key stats
Here are three crucial statistics that every punter must be aware of ahead of this clash:
- This fixture has a history of pure chaos: The only previous two-legged tie between the clubs produced an incredible 12 goals (a 5-3 Man City win, followed by a 3-1 Monaco win).
- Manchester City are imperious on their travels in this competition, having lost just one of their last 17 away matches in the Champions League group stage.
- Monaco are a formidable attacking force at home; they have scored in their last 15 consecutive home matches, netting two or more goals in 11 of those games.
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Correct Score Prediction
My correct score prediction is a 3-1 victory for Manchester City. While the memory of the 6-6 aggregate thriller in 2017 is a tantalizing narrative, Manchester City are a far more controlled and dominant European entity now. I fully expect Monaco’s vibrant attack to cause problems and get on the scoresheet, as their home form is simply too strong to ignore. However, Pep Guardiola’s side operates on a different level of tactical superiority and quality. They will likely dominate possession and create a host of clear-cut chances for the likes of Erling Haaland. Expect an entertaining match, but one where City’s class ultimately shines through for a comfortable away win.
Monaco Vs Man City H2H
The head-to-head record consists of only one, unforgettable two-legged tie that has gone down in Champions League folklore.
- The clubs have met just twice, in the Round of 16 in 2017, with the tie ending 6-6 on aggregate and Monaco advancing on the away goals rule.
- The first leg at the Etihad Stadium was a breathtaking 5-3 victory for Manchester City.
- Monaco famously won the return leg at the Stade Louis II 3-1, a result which eliminated City from the tournament.
- Both previous meetings have comfortably seen Over 4.5 goals scored, highlighting the explosive nature of this matchup.
Pre-Game Odds
The pre-game odds install Manchester City as the firm favourites, despite being the away side. This reflects their status as one of the best teams in world football.
- Monaco Win: 5.00
- Draw: 4.50
- Man City Win: 1.50
(Odds are subject to change and are correct at the time of writing)
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Team News: Monaco
Monaco coach Adi Hütter will be without one of his most important creative players, as Russian international Aleksandr Golovin is sidelined with a knee injury. His ability to unlock a defence will be sorely missed. Japanese international Takumi Minamino and the highly-rated Maghnes Akliouche will be tasked with providing the creative spark in his absence for captain and top scorer Wissam Ben Yedder.
Team News: Man City
Pep Guardiola has a near full-strength squad to choose from, though he continues to manage the fitness of key players. Defender John Stones is unlikely to be risked as he recovers from a minor knock. Kevin De Bruyne may start from the bench to manage his minutes, which would mean a start for Mateo Kovačić in central midfield. Erling Haaland is fully fit and will spearhead the attack.
Predicted Line-ups
Monaco Predicted Line-up (3-4-3):
Majecki; Kehrer, Maripán, Salisu; Vanderson, Fofana, Zakaria, Jakobs; Akliouche, Ben Yedder, Minamino
Man City Predicted Line-up (4-2-3-1):
Ederson; Walker, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovačić; Foden, Álvarez, Grealish; Haaland
Monaco Vs Man City Betting Tips
After a detailed analysis of this high-profile Champions League encounter, here are my expert betting tips.
- Tip 1 – Result: Man City Win
- Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over 2.5 goals
- Tip 3 – Both Teams to Score: Yes
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