PSG vs Monaco – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

The hosts sit four points clear at the summit in Ligue 1, whilst Monaco sit seventh. The clubs met in the Champions League last month as PSG won 5-4 on aggregate over two legs.

PSG Form

PSG’s form in all competitions sees seven wins in their last 12 matches (three losses, two draws). They sit top of Ligue 1 with a four-point gap to Lens. After winning 2-1 at Strasbourg with ten men, they smashed Marseille 5-0. A 3-1 loss followed at Rennes.

PSG won 3-2 at ten-man Monaco in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 playoffs. After beating Metz 3-0, they had a scare in the second leg vs Monaco, as they trailed 1-0. By full time, a 2-2 draw saw PSG with a 21-10 shot count. On Saturday, they won 1-0 at Le Havre with 3.82 xG.

PSG Team News

Coach Luis Enrique looks set to be without Fabian Ruiz as he continues to nurse a knee injury. Joao Neves is doubtful with an ankle injury and probably won’t be risked.

Ahead of facing Chelsea, there could be some rotation. Lucas Beraldo could start in defence, and Goncalo Ramos up front. Ousmane Dembele is not expected to be risked after missing the Le Havre match.

PSG Motivation

PSG will certainly have one eye on the Chelsea clash. They will want to win this match and keep a four point buffer to second place.

The players and the coach will want to save as much energy as possible. PSG often dropped points around UCL matches, such as their 3-1 loss at Rennes in February.

Monaco Form

Monaco have turned around their league form of late with four wins and a draw in five matches. A 3-1 loss at Strasbourg in the Coupe de France was followed by a 0-0 league draw at Nice. They beat Nantes 3-1 at home before losing 3-2 away to PSG in their Champions League playoff first leg.

After a fine 3-2 win at title-chasing Lens, they drew 2-2 at home to PSG in their Champions League second leg. Monaco led 1-0 but were outplayed as PSG put up 2.21 xG and 21 shots. On Saturday, Monaco beat Angers 2-0 in the league.

Monaco Team News

Coach Sebastien Pocognoli has several long-term injuries. Eric Dier is injured in defence and Paul Pogba is injured in midfield. Takumi Minamino is out after serious knee surgery and Krepin Diatta is nursing an injury.

Centre back Mohammed Salisu is another long-term absentee but Ansu Fati is available. Simon Adingra scored from the bench in the last game, but may again find himself used as a substitute.

Monaco Motivation

Monaco are looking to close the gap to the top three, which currently stands at eight points. They will play to win this match.

Belief should be good after a strong recent showing vs PSG.

Key Stats

• PSG have won just 3 of their last 6 home matches (2 draws, 1 loss)
• PSG have won 10 of their 11 home Ligue 1 matches this season
• Monaco have won 4 of their last 5 Ligue 1 matches
• Monaco have avoided defeat in 6 of their last 11 matches vs PSG (3 wins, 3 draws)

Verdict

This match could see a narrow PSG win. Monaco do have a good chance of getting a draw if PSG are distracted or rotate their XI.

Featured Bet: PSG win, both teams to score and Ramos to score anytime at 3.20

Best Bet: PSG win and Over 2.5 goals at 1.72