Ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League clash, we have the Monaco vs Aston Villa preview, prediction, latest team news and predicted lineups.
Monaco Vs Aston Villa Preview
After a gleaming start to the 2024/25 season, Monaco have struggled for consistency in recent months. As it stands, the Red and Whites are still in 4th spot in Ligue 1.
However, Adi Hutter’s side haven’t won in all competitions since December 22. Last time out, the Rock were beaten 2-1 by Montpellier. Thilo Kehrer opened the scoring before a Musa Al-Taamari brace won it for the hosts.
In the new look UEFA Champions League format, Monaco have performed admirably so far. They are one of five teams locked in on ten points and currently occupy 18th position.
On MD1, the Ligue 1 side got the better of Barcelona on home soil. Maghnes Akliouche and George Ilenikhena scored in a famous 2-1 win. Since then, the only victories have come against Red Star and Bologna.
Against Premier League opposition this year, the Red and Whites have been comprehensively beaten by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Bukayo Saka (2) and Kai Havertz were on target in the 3-0 loss.
Champions League mode activated 😤 pic.twitter.com/FhzlSBVPqc
— AS Monaco EN 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco_EN) January 19, 2025
Villa Aiming For Top Eight Spot
Aston Villa have arguably been the surprise package of the entire competition so far. Unai Emery’s side won their first three games without conceding a goal. Which included the famous 1-0 win vs Bayern Munich.
As it stands, Villa are comfortably perched in the automatic qualification places. A victory at the Stade Louis II on Tuesday will all but guarantee the English side’s place in the last-16.
Domestically, Emery’s men are unbeaten since Boxing Day in all competitions. The Spaniard haunted the Gunners once again on Saturday as the north Londoners surrendered a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2.
Youri Tielemens and Ollie Watkins netted in N5 to clinch a vital point. That result will have set Villa up nicely ahead of their Champions League showdown.
According to the best football betting sites in the UK, Monaco are the slight match favourites and can be backed at 31/20. The Villans are priced at 9/5 with the draw 45/17.
Monaco Vs Aston Villa Team News
Former Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun will be missing for Monaco with a shoulder injury. The 23-year-old is unlikely to return until mid-April.
George Ilenikhena is also ruled out for the hosts. The 18-year-old won’t return for approximately three-four weeks owing to an adductor problem.
Wilfried Singo and Dennis Zakaria are also rated as 50/50. Both missed Friday’s defeat to Montpellier but manager Adi Hutter will be quietly confident they can return in time.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa will travel to Monaco without injured duo Ross Barkley and Pau Torres. Amadou Onana is also a doubt after coming off against the Gunners on Saturday.
Diego Carlos sits the game out via suspension and there are also doubts over John McGinn’s participation. The Scot missed the weekend draw.
As always, Ollie Watkins will lead the line for Unai Emery’s side. Amazingly, the England star is yet to score in Europe’s elite competition so Jhon Duran is ready to play the role of super sub if need be.
Back on our travels in the Champions League 🔜 pic.twitter.com/pbcmHV1FVS
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 19, 2025
Monaco Vs Aston Villa Predicted Lineups
Monaco (4-5-1): Majecki; Henrique, Salisu, Kehrer, Vanderson; Camara, Magassa, Akliouche, Golovin, Ben Seghir; Embolo
Aston Villa (4-5-1): Martinez; Digne, Mings, Konsa, Cash; Kamara, Ramsey, Rogers, Tielemans, Bailey; Watkins
Monaco Vs Aston Villa Prediction
Despite injuries to key players, we expect Monaco to come out fighting and take the game to Aston Villa. Both sides are desperate for the points but the Ligue 1 outfit’s cause is more pressing than Villa’s.
The Premier League side are on the cusp of qualifying whereas the Red and Whites know how vital all three points will be in their quest for a top-eight spot.
Therefore, we are going to sit on the fence and predict a high-scoring draw at the Stade Louis II.
Prediction: Monaco 2-2 Aston Villa
