Manchester City travel to Monaco on Wednesday night in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie. The first leg was an absolute cracker, with City winning 5-3 at the Etihad, however Monaco did return to the principality with three away goals.
Pep Guardiola has already acknowledged that his side will have to score at least once in Wednesday’s second leg match, citing his team’s inability to keep a clean sheet as an important factor. Claudio Bravo managed to keep one on Saturday against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup, however Monaco are Europe’s most prolific club side in front of goal, while Boro are the worst in front of goal in the Premier League.
Monaco meanwhile are currently top of Ligue 1 and have scored 84 goals already in the league, from just 29 games. They have one of Europe’s most prolific youngsters in their team in Kylian Mbappe, who’s attracted the attention of a number of Premier League clubs, while Bernardo Silva is their creative influence in midfield.
Monaco vs. Manchester City Predictions
With both sides being free scoring, it would be no surprise to see this end as another 5-3. Neither team can defend, so another high scoring encounter could be on the cards. Sergio Aguero has found form at the right time for City, while Leroy Sane is also highly improved. For Monaco, Falcao is the danger man in the event that he’s passed fit to start.
Monaco vs. Manchester City Betting Tips
Looking at the odds, this promises to be a very close match. Both teams are at 31/20 to win on the night, while a draw is available at 14/5. City are favourites to qualify however at 1/5, while Monaco are outsiders at 7/2. Sergio Aguero is the favourite to score first at 7/2, while Falcao leads the goalscoring markets for Monaco, also at 7/2 to score first.
Head to Head
- Manchester City won 5-3 in the first leg, their first ever competitive meeting with Monaco.
- Manchester City have never lost to French opposition in European competition (W2 D2).
- Monaco have lost six of their last eight Champions League knockout games (W1 D1), with their only win against Arsenal (3-1, February 2015).
- Manchester City and Monaco have both kept just one clean sheet in this season’s Champions League. Only Real Madrid have kept fewer amongst teams in the round of 16.
Monaco Team News
Radamel Falcao came off the bench against Bordeaux on Saturday and is expected to be passed fit for Wednesday’s tie. Kylian Mbappe is also expected to feature, as is Manchester City target Fabinho and 21-year old Thomas Lemar.
Manchester City Team News
Willy Caballero is expected to replace Claudio Bravo in goal. There are no injury concerns for Pep Guardiola, with the exception of long-term absentees Ilkay Gundogan and Gabriel Jesus.