Monaco vs Benfica Prediction - Champions League
Monaco, led by Adi Hütter, has shown resilience, winning their last four matches in the tournament. Their standout performer, Maghnes Akliouche, has recently scored two crucial goals against Brest, adding to his impressive season tally. They will aim to extend their unbeaten streak in this tournament amidst a light rain forecast.
Benfica, coached by Bruno Lage, comes into this game on the back of a thumping 7-0 win over Estrela da Amadora. Kerem Akturkoglu, their top scorer with three Champions League goals, is a player to watch. Despite struggling in 19th place, their attacking prowess and recent b form cannot be underestimated.
Both teams have key players missing due to injuries, notably Folarin Balogun for Monaco. Given the competitive nature, a draw is our recommended bet with odds at 3.9. This match promises tension and excitement as both sides look to bolster their standings in the Champions League.
Monaco vs Benfica Prediction & Betting Tip
Given the competitive nature of the Champions League clash between Monaco and Benfica, our recommended betting tip is a Draw.
| Monaco vs. Benfica Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Draw | 3.9 |
- Monaco has been solid throughout the competition, boasting a resilient performance with an unbeaten streak in their last four matches.
- Benfica has shown respectable performance and consistency, evident by their impressive recent results.
- Both teams are performing well within their respective ranks in the Champions League, making a balanced match likely.
With both squads showcasing attacking prowess and resilience, a draw appears to be the most probable outcome.
Monaco vs Benfica Odds
Looking at the betting odds for the Champions League clash between Monaco and Benfica, it’s clear that Monaco is the bookmakers’ favourite. However, the odds also suggest a closely contested match, with a draw being a b possibility.
| Monaco vs. Benfica Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Monaco | 2.18 |
| Draw | 3.60 |
| Benfica | 3.12 |
Monaco Team Analysis
Monaco has exhibited a mixed bag of results in their recent matches. Their last five encounters feature three wins and two losses. Their form in the Champions League has been impressive, with only one loss in their last four matches, contributing significantly to their current standing.
Monaco has averaged 1.60 goals per match in their last five games and has kept one clean sheet. Their goal-scoring ability is solid, though managing just one clean sheet indicates some defensive vulnerabilities.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Monaco | Brest | 3-2 (Win) |
| Strasbourg | Monaco | 1-3 (Win) |
| Bologna | Monaco | 0-1 (Win) |
| Monaco | Angers | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Nice | Monaco | 2-1 (Loss) |
Monaco’s offensive play has been consistent, but they need to address defensive lapses to secure their position in the competition.
Monaco Key Players
Maghnes Akliouche, Monaco’s rising star, is one to watch. At just 22, he has become a pivotal player, scoring twice in the recent 3-2 win against Brest. His international-caliber performances have garnered notice, and his potential inclusion in the French national team is a testament to his quality.
Takumi Minamino, Monaco’s top scorer with 2 goals, will also be crucial. His ability to find the net could tip the scales in Monaco’s favour.
Expected lineup for Monaco:
- Goalkeeper: Radoslaw Majecki
- Defenders: Vanderson, Thilo Kehrer, Mohammed Salisu, Caio Henrique
- Midfielders: Denis Zakaria, Lamine Camara, Maghnes Akliouche, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Aleksandr Golovin
- Forward: Breel Embolo
Monaco Suspensions & Injuries
Injury woes have hit Monaco hard this season, with several key players currently sidelined.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Mamadou Coulibaly | Cruciate ligament injury | Late January 2025 |
| Edan Diop | Foot injury | Early December 2024 |
| Folarin Balogun | Dislocated shoulder | Early December 2024 |
| Krépin Diatta | Muscle injury | A few weeks |
Monaco Tactics and Formation
Monaco Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Goalkeeper: Radoslaw Majecki
- Defensive Line: Vanderson, Thilo Kehrer, Mohammed Salisu, Caio Henrique
- Midfield Shield: Denis Zakaria, Lamine Camara
- Attacking Trio: Maghnes Akliouche (RW), Eliesse Ben Seghir (LW), Aleksandr Golovin (CAM)
- Spearhead: Breel Embolo
Monaco will look to dominate possession and build attacks from the back. The midfield duo of Denis Zakaria and Lamine Camara is vital for their defensive cover and transitions. Breel Embolo will be the focal point in attack, supported by Golovin’s creativity and Akliouche’s dynamic runs on the wing. Monaco’s formation allows for a fluid transition between defensive solidity and attacking aggression, aiming to exploit Benfica’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Benfica Team Analysis
Benfica have been in good form recently, winning four of their last five matches. This impressive run includes an emphatic 7-0 victory over Estrela da Amadora and a 4-1 triumph against FC Porto. Despite a narrow 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich, they’ve shown resilience, particularly in front of goal.
Recent Form:
- 7-0 win vs. Estrela da Amadora
- 4-1 win vs. FC Porto
- 0-1 loss vs. Bayern Munich
- 2-1 win vs. Farense
- 3-0 win vs. Santa Clara
Benfica have averaged 3.20 goals per game and managed to keep two clean sheets in their last five fixtures, indicating a potent attack and solid defence.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Benfica | Estrela da Amadora | 7-0 (Win) |
| Benfica | FC Porto | 4-1 (Win) |
| Bayern Munich | Benfica | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Farense | Benfica | 1-2 (Win) |
| Benfica | Santa Clara | 3-0 (Win) |
Benfica Key Players
Benfica have several key players who could make a big impact in the upcoming match against Monaco. Kerem Aktürkoglu, their top scorer with 3 goals, will be one to watch, particularly given his knack for scoring first in matches. Angel Di Maria, expected to play on the right wing, brings vast experience and creativity to the side, while midfielder Orkun Kökcü is also likely to be influential in breaking down Monaco’s defense. Expected lineup for Benfica:
- Goalkeeper: Anatolii Trubin
- Defenders: Tomas Araújo, António Silva, Nicolas Otamendi, Álvaro Fernández Carreras
- Midfielders: Fredrik Aursnes, Florentino Luís, Orkun Kökcü
- Attackers: Angel Di Maria, Kerem Aktürkoglu, Vangelis Pavlidis An interesting battle to watch will be between Benfica’s attackers and Monaco’s solid defensive pair, Thilo Kehrer and Mohammed Salisu.
Benfica Suspensions & Injuries
Injuries and suspensions can play a crucial role in squad depth and the overall strategy of a team. For Benfica, the following players are on the injury list:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Tiago Gouveia | Shoulder injury | Doubtful |
| Gianluca Prestianni | Ankle injury | Early December 2024 |
| Alexander Bah | Knee injury | Unknown |
These injuries could impact Bruno Lage’s plans significantly. With key players like Alexander Bah sidelined, the defensive structure might need adjustments. Gouveia and Prestianni’s absences in the attack could limit options off the bench, putting more pressure on the current starting XI. Given Benfica’s recent b performances, they’ll need to manage these absences wisely to maintain momentum.
Benfica Tactics and Formation
Benfica Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Vangelis Pavlidis
- Midfield Trio: Orkun Kökcü (attacking), Angel Di Maria (right wing), Kerem Aktürkoglu (left wing)
- Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games.
- Notable Strategy: Emphasis on scoring early, with Kerem Aktürkoglu often netting the first goal.
With a robust 4-2-3-1 formation, Benfica relies on a solid defensive duo of Fredrik Aursnes and Florentino Luís in defensive midfield roles. The creativity of Orkun Kökcü and the wing play from Di Maria and Aktürkoglu provide offensive dynamism. This setup has proven effective, enabling them to score an impressive average of 3.20 goals in their last five games.
Monaco vs Benfica Head-to-Head Statistics
The historical encounters between Monaco and Benfica have provided some memorable moments. Although they haven’t faced each other frequently, their past matchups have been intriguing.
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Benfica | Monaco | 1-0 |
| Monaco | Benfica | 0-0 |
| Benfica | Monaco | 3-2 |
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