BETTING GUIDE: AS Monaco vs Manchester City Match Preview, Team News and Betting Tips
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Reading Time: 4min | Wed. 01.10.25. | 11:04
This matchup recalls the unforgettable 2016/17 Champions League Round of 16, where Monaco stunned City on away goals after a chaotic 6-6 aggregate draw
Back in the groove and firing on all cylinders, Pep Guardiola's Manchester City travel to the Stade Louis II on Wednesday night.
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The Citizens will be after their fifth win in six matches across all competitions against AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League group phase.
After dispatching Napoli with a 2-0 win in their Champions League opener, the Sky Blues aim to solidify their dominance against a Monaco side still licking its wounds from a heavy defeat to Club Brugge on Matchday 1.
This matchup recalls the unforgettable 2016/17 Champions League Round of 16, where Monaco stunned City on away goals rule after a chaotic 6-6 aggregate draw.
While both teams have evolved significantly since, goals and drama are once again expected in what promises to be another midweek classic on the Côte d'Azur.
Monaco’s return to Europe’s premier competition has been nothing short of chaotic.
Opening their group-stage campaign with a 4-1 hammering at Club Brugge, Adi Hütter’s men were punished for a poor defensive performance and a missed early penalty by Maghnes Akliouche.
Since then, the rollercoaster has continued.
Monaco thrashed Metz 5-2 in Ligue 1, only to collapse again to a 3-1 loss to Lorient over the weekend, a game that included a red card for Thilo Kehrer.
The German defender remains available for Europe, but Monaco’s alarming defensive trend is impossible to ignore - they have conceded 9 goals in their last 3 games.
Despite the inconsistency, Monaco have attacking weapons to hurt teams. Ansu Fati, on loan from Barcelona, has been a revelation off the bench, scoring four goals in just three substitute appearances, and may finally earn a first start here.
At the other end, however, Hütter’s side have managed just one clean sheet in all competitions this season - a major concern against City’s firepower.
Team News
Injury issues are mounting for Monaco as they will be without key midfielders Denis Zakaria (groin), Aleksandr Golovin (hamstring), and Lamine Camara (ankle), while first-choice keeper Lukas Hradecky remains sidelined with a knee injury.
There is a slight chance of Paul Pogba making the bench, but a full debut seems unlikely.
Tactically, Hütter is expected to stick with a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, with Mika Biereth leading the line.
Behind him, Fati, Ben Seghir, and Akliouche provide technical support, while Monaco’s full-backs will need to be extremely cautious with City’s wide threats.
Transition defense and tracking runners from deep could make or break their night.
After a somewhat shaky spell earlier in the season, Manchester City have firmly clicked into gear.
Since the international break, they have blown away Manchester United (3-0) and Burnley (5-1), while kicking off their Champions League campaign with a controlled 2-0 win over Napoli.
Even with Kevin De Bruyne hobbling off early in that match, City were unfazed.
Goals from Erling Haaland - now on 50 UCL goals in 49 appearances - and Jeremy Doku sealed the win.
Guardiola’s men have now scored 13 goals in their last three outings and look to have rediscovered their killer instinct in the final third.
However, there's one blemish - City have lost each of their last four away games in the Champions League, a rare weak point for Guardiola’s side.
A trip to Monaco, who beat them 3-1 here in 2017, will not be taken lightly.
City came through their weekend win unscathed but remains without several long-term absentees. Rodri is a doubt due to a knee issue, and Rayan Ait-Nouri, Abdukodir Khusanov, Omar Marmoush, and Rayan Cherki are all still sidelined.
With or without Rodri, City will likely line up in their usual 4-3-3.
Haaland, of course, leads the line, supported by the dynamic Doku and possibly Tijani Reijnders or Phil Foden.
The key will be how City controls transitions - Monaco thrives in chaos, so City must dictate the tempo and avoid being dragged into a frantic exchange.
This fixture depends on how well Monaco can withstand City's high-tempo attacks, particularly down the flanks.
Without Hradecky and a shaky defensive setup, the hosts must avoid giving City time and space near the box.
Fati’s inclusion from the start would boost Monaco’s attack, but their midfield is significantly weakened without Zakaria and Golovin.
For City, controlling the midfield - especially in Rodri’s absence - will be vital. Guardiola's side are rarely troubled when they dominate possession, but Monaco's vertical play could catch them out if transitions are not handled properly. Look for City to press high and suffocate Monaco’s build-up play early.
Key Pointers
Manchester City have scored 13 goals in their last three matches
Erling Haaland has scored 15 goals for club and country this season and 50 in 49 UCL games
City’s last four UCL away games have all ended in defeat
Monaco’s first three home league games this season have produced 16 total goals
Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals
This game has all the ingredients for another Champions League thriller. Monaco can score, especially at home, but they leak goals at an alarming rate. City, despite their UCL away form, should have too much firepower. Expect a high-scoring affair with both teams contributing.
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