PSG vs Monaco: Champions League Showdown – A Battle for Round of 16
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the reigning Champions League holders, aim to secure their passage to the round of 16 when they host Monaco on Wednesday night. The first leg of this Ligue 1 rivalry in European competition was a thrilling affair, ending in a 3-2 victory for PSG, but Monaco proved a formidable opponent.
First Leg Recap: A Thrilling Encounter
Monaco, fueled by a brace from Folarin Balogun, initially stunned PSG with a 2-0 lead. However, a game-changing performance from substitute Désiré Doué turned the tide, leading to a 3-2 win for the Parisians. Despite the victory, PSG manager Luis Enrique insists his team is focused on securing another win on home soil.
Recent Form
- PSG: WWLWW
- Monaco: WLWDL
Monaco enters the match buoyed by a hard-fought 3-2 victory over league leaders Lens, a result that saw PSG end the week at the top of the French top flight. PSG, meanwhile, comfortably defeated Metz 3-0, showcasing their attacking prowess.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
PSG
Ousmane Dembélé’s injury in the first leg proved pivotal, with his replacement, Doué, making a significant impact. Dembélé remains sidelined, potentially giving Gonçalo Ramos another start. All three of PSG’s forwards found the net against Metz, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could replace Bradley Barcola on the left wing. Fabián Ruiz and Senny Mayulu are also unavailable due to injury.
Predicted PSG Lineup (4-3-3): Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Vitinha, Neves, Zaïre-Emery; Doué, Ramos, Kvaratskhelia.
Monaco
Monaco will be without Aleksandr Golovin, who was sent off in the first leg. Eric Dier, Lukas Hradecky, Mohammed Salisu, Paul Pogba, and Takumi Minamino are all sidelined with injuries. Christian Mawissa and Krépin Diatta are doubts, but Ansu Fati is fit to return after making a positive impact off the bench against Lens. Maghnes Akliouche has also recovered from a hip injury.
Predicted Monaco Lineup (4-2-3-1): Köhn; Vanderson, Teze, Kehrer, Henrique; Zakaria, Camara; Akliouche, Fati, Adingra; Balogun.
Key Talking Points
- PSG’s Home Advantage: Monaco has won only once in their previous 10 visits to the Parc des Princes.
- Monaco’s Counter-Attack: Monaco’s ability to exploit counter-attacking opportunities could pose a threat to PSG.
- PSG’s Defensive Lapses: PSG has shown defensive vulnerabilities, which Monaco will aim to exploit.
Prediction
While PSG hasn’t been entirely convincing defensively, they are expected to dominate possession and control the game. A convincing win for the hosts is anticipated, but Monaco’s counter-attacking threat should not be underestimated. We predict a PSG 3-1 Monaco victory, securing their place in the next round, where they could face Barcelona or Chelsea.
Source: Sports Illustrated
