Aston Villa travels to Monaco on Tuesday evening for a crucial Champions League clash as they edge closer to securing a spot in the round of 16. Villa has enjoyed an impressive return to Europe’s elite competition, while Monaco’s recent dip in form has left them struggling to stay afloat.
Match Details
- Location: Fontvieille, Monaco
- Stadium: Stade Louis II
- Date: Tuesday, 21 January
- Kick-off Time: 17:45 GMT / 12:45 ET / 09:45 PT
- Referee: Slavko Vincic (SVN)
- VAR: Alen Borosak (SVN)
Current Form
Monaco
- Montpellier 2-1 Monaco (17/01/25)
- Reims 1-1 (3-1p) Monaco (14/01/25)
- Nantes 2-2 Monaco (10/01/25)
- PSG 1-0 Monaco (05/01/25)
- L’Union Saint-Jean 1-4 Monaco (22/12/24)
Aston Villa
- Arsenal 2-2 Aston Villa (18/01/25)
- Everton 0-1 Aston Villa (15/01/25)
- Aston Villa 2-1 West Ham (10/01/25)
- Aston Villa 2-1 Leicester (04/01/25)
- Aston Villa 2-2 Brighton (30/12/24)
Team News
Monaco
Monaco faces challenges in attack with injuries to key players. Former Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun is sidelined with a shoulder injury, while George Ilenikhena is unavailable due to a muscle problem. Wilfried Singo and Denis Zakaria are doubtful after missing the recent loss to Montpellier.
Predicted Monaco Lineup (4-2-3-1):
- GK: Majecki
- DEF: Vanderson, Salisu, Kehrer, Henrique
- MID: Camara, Magassa; Akliouche, Golovin, Ben Seghir
- FWD: Embolo
Aston Villa
John McGinn has returned to training following a hamstring injury but is unlikely to start. Lucas Digne should replace Ian Maatsen at left-back, while Leon Bailey may return to the lineup despite Jacob Ramsey’s recovery. New signing Donyell Malen could make his debut, and Jhon Duran may rotate in to rest Ollie Watkins.
Predicted Aston Villa Lineup (4-2-3-1):
- GK: Martinez
- DEF: Cash, Konsa, Minga, Digne
- MID: Kamara, Onana, Tielemans
- FWD: Bailey, Duran, Rogers
Match Analysis
Villa has shown a knack for stepping up on the big stage under Unai Emery, particularly in the Champions League. Their win over Bayern Munich and thrilling comeback against RB Leipzig are testaments to their resilience and tactical prowess.
Monaco, on the other hand, has struggled in recent weeks. Despite a dynamic and vertical style of play, their youthful squad has lacked consistency, and their defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed.
Villa’s experience and Emery’s tactical nous could give them the edge against a Monaco side that’s out of form and lacking key players.
Score Prediction
Villa’s balanced approach and ability to capitalize on key moments make them favorites for this encounter. Monaco will likely have their chances, but Villa’s quality and Emery’s expertise in European competitions should see them through.
Prediction: Monaco 1-3 Aston Villa
Aston Villa can take a significant step towards the knockout stages with a victory, while Monaco will need a strong performance to keep their hopes alive. Expect an entertaining clash at Stade Louis II.
