Monaco vs PSG – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Monaco have avoided defeat in four of their last nine matches vs PSG, but they’ve won just two of their last eight matches. PSG have lost three of their last eight fixtures.

Monaco Form

Monaco are out of form. A 3-1 home loss to Lorient made it six losses in seven Ligue 1 matches. They went to Real Madrid and were smashed 6-1 in the Champions League after that. They’ve slightly recovered form of late, but it’s still just two wins in the last eight. A 0-0 draw at Le Havre was followed by a 0-0 home draw vs Juventus.

They smashed Rennes 4-0 in a shock result but lost 3-1 away at Strasbourg in the Coupe de France. A 0-0 draw at Nice saw just 0.62 xG produced. On Friday, they beat Nantes 3-1 at home despite playing the final 25 minutes with ten men.

Monaco Team News

Coach Sebastien Pocognoli faces an injury crisis. Eric Dier is ruled out and Takumi Minamino won’t play again this season after knee surgery. Paul Pogba is doubtful with a calf injury.

Mohammed Salisu is out long-term in defence and Ansi Fati has a muscle injury. Aleksandr Golovin is available after his red card on Friday. Simon Adingra will play down the right wing.

Monaco Motivation

Monaco have looked distracted in domestic action. Their focus is on doing well in the Champions League right now, so full focus is on this PSG match.

They know that they need to win this first leg. Next week’s trip to PSG in the second leg will be very tough. They will look to attack and try to exploit PSG’s current defensive issues.

PSG Form

A 1-0 loss to arch rivals Paris FC in the Coupe de France preceded a 3-0 home win vs Lille in Ligue 1. PSG lost 2-1 away to Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League to put their top-eight ambitions in danger. They won 1-0 at Auxerre but more dropped points followed in Europe.

A 1-1 draw at home to Newcastle in the Champions League saw PSG finish outside the top eight. They won 2-1 at Strasbourg with ten men and destroyed Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille 5-0. However, a shock 3-1 loss at Rennes saw PSG drop to second in Ligue 1. Luis Enrique’s side put up 3.58 xG and nine chances in that shock loss.

PSG Team News

Coach Luis Enrique is hoping to have midfielder Fabian Ruiz available again after a bruised knee suffered against Sporting Lisbon. Matvey Safonov is set to be preferred to Lucas Chevalier in goal.

Bradley Barcola and Marquinhos are set to remain on the bench for this one. Teenage midfielder Senny Mayulu missed the last match after assisting two goals against Marseille. A late fitness test will be needed.

PSG Motivation

PSG not reaching the last-16 is unthinkable. Full focus is on this tie and progressing to the next round.

They will attack Monaco and look to win this first leg. That would make next week’s return leg an easier task.

Key Stats

• Monaco have won just 2 of their last 8 matches
• Monaco have avoided defeat in 4 of their last 9 matches vs PSG
• PSG have lost 3 of their last 9 matches
• PSG’s Dembele has scored 3 goals in his last 2 matches
• PSG’s last 4 matches have seen 12 goals (8 scored, 4 conceded)

Verdict

I’m backing Over 2.5 goals in a PSG win. I see Dembele scoring in the match.

Best Bet: PSG win and Over 2.5 goals at 2.10

Value Bet: PSG win, Over 2.5 goals and Dembele to score anytime at 3.75