Champions League | League Stage

Jan 21, 2025 at 5.45pm UK

Stade Louis II.

Monaco vs Aston Villa

Match preview

The hosts started their season really well, unbeaten in 10 matches in all competitions, and winning two of their first three matches in Europe.

But since losing to Nice at the end of October, they've been struggling to be consistent in all competitions, and they haven't won any of their last four matches since the turn of the year.

They've had a bit of a wobble recently, losing five of their last 16 matches. That's seen Monaco fall outside the automatic qualification places in the Champions League, miss out on silverware in the Trophee des Champions to Paris Saint-Germain and get knocked out of the Coupe de France by Reims.

They had a great European campaign to start with, beating Barcelona 2-1 back in September, then drawing with Dinamo Zagreb and beating Red Star Belgrade and Bologna.

But in their last match, they got beaten 3-0 by Arsenal in London, with Bukayo Saka scoring twice and Kai Havertz finishing off the Ligue 1 visitors.

That defeat to the Gunners means Adi Hutter's men have to work hard to qualify automatically for the round of 16, but with games against two teams in the automatic qualification spots, the group stage could still be a whole different ball game.

Monaco will point to their strong home record this season as a reason to believe they can get a result against Villa. The hosts have only lost once at home in their three Champions League contests at Stade Louis II this year, and they have only lost twice at home in Ligue 1 this season too.

Les Rouges et Blanc are currently three points off eighth-placed Lille in the final automatic qualifying position, but the group table is so tightly contested that there are plenty of clubs in the race and only eight positions to fill.

The visitors have had a good start to the new year, and Unai Emery's team have won seven out of their last 11 games in all competitions.

Villa did better than anyone thought they would by qualifying for the Champions League with a surprise fourth-place finish in the Premier League last season.

Now we're more than halfway through the Premier League season, the visitors are in with a shot at the top four again, as they're sitting in eighth place, just two points off fourth.

They've had a good run in Europe this season, with wins against German sides like Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig, as well as a goalless draw with Juventus.

A big part of their success in Europe has been their solid defence, with Villa keeping four clean sheets in their six games so far.

They only lost to Club Brugge away in November, and Emery's team have won the other two away games in Europe.

Their away record this season has been a bit disappointing though, and Villa have lost six out of their last nine away from home in all competitions.

But there have been some good signs recently, like when they came from two goals behind against Arsenal at the weekend to get a point, and when they beat Everton at Goodison Park earlier in the week.

They'll be looking to keep improving as they hit the road on Tuesday, hoping to secure their spot in the knockout rounds of Europe's top football competition.

Recent Performance

Monaco Champions League form:WDWWLL

Monaco form (all competitions):LWLDLL

Aston Villa Champions League form:WWWLDW

Aston Villa form (all competitions):LDWWWD

Team News

Monaco have a few injury concerns heading into the match. Folarin Balogun, who played for Arsenal, is out with a shoulder injury.George Ilenikhena is set to miss the next three to four weeks with an adductor injury, and Krepin Diatta is out for a few weeks due to a muscle injury.

To make matters worse for the home side, Wilfried Singo (back) and Dennis Zakaria (illness) are both questionable for this match, having sat out Friday's loss to Montpellier.Meanwhile, Villa's John McGinn has returned to training following a thigh injury, but he's still in doubt for this match.

To add to Emery's frustrations, Diego Carlos is suspended, while Ross Barkley (calf) and Pau Torres (ankle) are out for this match.Amadou Onana could also miss this clash, having been taken off during the first half in the weekend's draw at Arsenal due to injury.

Possible starting lineup

Monaco possible starting lineup:

Majecki; Henrique, Salisu, Kehrer, Vanderson; Camara, Magassa, Akliouche, Golovin, Ben Seghir; Embolo

Aston Villa possible starting lineup:

Martinez; Digne, Mings, Konsa, Cash; Kamara, Ramsey, Rogers, Tielemans, Bailey; Watkins