The UEFA Champions League returns after a month-long hiatus, with Matchday 7 promising an exciting slate of fixtures, including a debut clash between AS Monaco and Aston Villa at the iconic Stade Louis II.
AS Monaco began their 2024/25 Champions League campaign with a commendable 2-1 victory over Barcelona. However, the Ligue 1 side has since struggled, suffering two consecutive defeats and currently finding themselves in 16th place in their domestic league. Their form has been concerning, as they have yet to secure a win in the new year.
In contrast, Aston Villa are enjoying a rich vein of form, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches, which includes a resilient 2-2 draw against Arsenal last weekend. Under the astute management of Unai Emery, the Villans have excelled in the Champions League, currently sitting fourth in their group after six matches, with only one loss to their name. Their latest triumph came against RB Leipzig, further highlighting their potential on the European stage.
Reports from The Hard Tackle indicate that AS Monaco's manager, Adi Hutter, heads into this fixture without any new injury concerns, although he will be without five first-team players. Folarin Balogun, the former Arsenal striker, is sidelined with a shoulder injury, joined by George Ilenikhena (groin) and Krepin Diatta (muscle). Additionally, Wilfried Singo (back) and Denis Zakaria (illness) will undergo late fitness assessments ahead of the match.
Radoslaw Majecki is expected to take his place in goal, with AS Monaco likely to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation. The defensive lineup will feature Vanderson, Thilo Kehrer, Mohammed Salisu, and Caio Henrique. In midfield, Soungoutou Magassa will partner with Lamine Camara, while Aleksandr Golovin is anticipated to operate in the no. 10 role. Flank support will come from Maghnes Akliouche and Eliesse Ben Seghir, with Breel Embolo leading the attack.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Majecki; Vanderson, Kehrer, Salisu, Henrique; Magassa, Camara; Akliouche, Golovin, Ben Seghir; Embolo.
On the other hand, Unai Emery's Aston Villa have received mixed news ahead of their trip to the principality, also missing five key players. John McGinn has returned to training following a hamstring injury, but his participation against AS Monaco remains uncertain. Amadou Onana picked up a knock in the recent Arsenal clash and joins Pau Torres (ankle) and Ross Barkley (calf) on the injury list. Furthermore, Diego Carlos is set to depart for Fenerbahce, further depleting the squad.
Emiliano Martinez is expected to start in goal for Aston Villa, who will likely employ a 4-2-3-1 formation. The defensive unit will consist of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, and Lucas Digne. In midfield, Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans are poised to form a double pivot, with Morgan Rogers positioned as the attacking midfielder. Ollie Watkins will lead the line, supported by wing players Leon Bailey and Jacob Ramsey, while Jhon Duran offers a promising option from the bench.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Bailey, Rogers, Ramsey; Watkins.
Ollie Watkins remains the primary striker, yet Jhon Duran has emerged as a promising talent in this Champions League campaign. In just six appearances, with only one start, Duran has found the net three times, showcasing his potential impact. Remarkably, only a select few players have scored for an English club at a more prolific rate in the competition than the Colombian.
As AS Monaco seek to regain their footing, Aston Villa aim to continue their upward trajectory. However, with defensive vulnerabilities arising from injuries to key players, the match is expected to be closely contested. The Hard Tackle forecasts a narrow victory for Unai Emery's side, predicting a thrilling 3-2 finish.