Bologna vs Monaco Prediction - Champions League
Bologna enters the match with a mixed bag of results (WLDDL) and injuries to key players like Oussama El Azzouzi and Martin Erlic. Coach Vincenzo Italiano will look to Santiago Castro and midfielder Jens Odgaard to step up.
Monaco, despite suffering a recent loss to Nice, boasts a dynamic attack led by top scorer Maghnes Akliouche. Coach Adi Hütter is likely to push for early goals to exploit Bologna’s defensive frailties. With key midfielder Denis Zakaria possibly sidelined, the pressure will be on the likes of Eliesse Ben Seghir to compensate.
Expect an aggressive match with many scoring opportunities. We recommend betting on over 2.5 goals in the first half.
Both teams have shown tendencies to both score and concede, suggesting a potentially high-scoring affair. Look forward to an exciting encounter where Monaco is the bookmaker’s favourite with odds of 2.56 to win.
Bologna vs Monaco Prediction & Betting Tip
We recommend betting on over 2.5 goals in the first half for this intriguing clash. Given both teams’ recent performances, this prediction is supported by several match facts.
- Monaco has scored 9 goals and conceded 4 in their recent matches.
- Bologna, with only 1 point in their group, is expected to play aggressively.
- Monaco tends to concede goals frequently, indicating an open game with many scoring opportunities.
- Both teams are likely to contribute to a high-scoring match.
- Bologna’s attack will be pushing hard to improve their standings.
- Monaco’s defensive vulnerabilities could lead to early goals.
Bologna vs Monaco Odds
When it comes to betting odds, Monaco emerges as the bookmaker’s favorite but only narrowly. This indicates a tightly contested matchup, reflective of both teams’ recent performances.
| Bologna vs. Monaco Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Bologna | 2.69 |
| Draw | 3.35 |
| Monaco | 2.56 |
Bologna Team Analysis
Bologna has experienced a mixed bag of results in their recent fixtures, managing just one win in their last five games. Here’s a quick look at their latest performances:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Cagliari | Bologna | 0-2 (Win) |
| Aston Villa | Bologna | 2-0 (Loss) |
| Genoa | Bologna | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Bologna | Parma Calcio | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Liverpool | Bologna | 2-0 (Loss) |
Bologna averages just 0.80 goals scored per game and has kept two clean sheets in their last five matches. These stats suggest a struggle to find consistency in both attack and defense. Their sole victory against Cagliari was a much-needed confidence boost, yet conceding in key matches remains a concern.
For their clash with Monaco, expect Vincenzo Italiano’s men to play aggressively to secure vital points.
Bologna Key Players
Bologna will rely heavily on key figures such as Lukasz Skorupski between the posts and defensive stalwarts Sam Beukema and Jhon Lucumí to hold the fort. In midfield, Remo Freuler and Nikola Moro’s ability to break up play and distribute the ball will be crucial, especially against Monaco’s attacking threats. The attacking duties will likely fall on Santiago Castro, supported by the creative efforts of Riccardo Orsolini and Dan Ndoye on the wings. Expect individual battles such as Castro against Monaco defender Thilo Kehrer, which could be decisive.
Expected lineup for Bologna:
- Goalkeeper: Lukasz Skorupski
- Defenders: Lorenzo De Silvestri, Sam Beukema, Jhon Lucumí, Juan Miranda
- Midfielders: Remo Freuler, Nikola Moro
- Attackers: Riccardo Orsolini, Jens Odgaard, Dan Ndoye, Santiago Castro
Bologna Suspensions & Injuries
Bologna faces several injury challenges ahead of their clash against Monaco. Vincenzo Italiano’s side will be missing key players, potentially impacting their defensive stability and midfield control.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Oussama El Azzouzi | Knee injury | Unknown |
| Martin Erlic | Hamstring injury | Mid November 2024 |
| Michel Aebischer | Muscle injury | Mid November 2024 |
| Charalampos Lykogiannis | Leg injury | Mid November 2024 |
Bologna Tactics and Formation
Bologna Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Expected Line-up:
- Goalkeeper: Łukasz Skorupski
- Defenders: Lorenzo De Silvestri, Sam Beukema, Jhon Lucumí, Juan Miranda
- Midfield: Remo Freuler, Nikola Moro (defensive midfielders); Riccardo Orsolini (right wing), Jens Odgaard (attacking midfielder), Dan Ndoye (left wing)
- Forward: Santiago Castro
Vincenzo Italiano’s side tends to deploy a stable defensive formation balanced with an aggressive midfield setup. Two defensive midfielders, Freuler and Moro, provide a shield for their back four. Despite an average of 0.80 goals scored in their last five games, Bologna has managed two clean sheets, showcasing their resilient defense. Key to their tactics will be maintaining defensive solidity while making use of Orsolini and Ndoye’s pace on the wings to exploit Monaco’s weakness in conceding goals.
Monaco Team Analysis
Monaco has shown commendable form in their recent outings, securing valuable points even in testing away fixtures. Their recent record stands at: LWDWD, indicating a mix of wins, draws, and a solitary loss. With a high average of 2.00 goals scored per game, Monaco’s attacking front has been quite prolific. Despite only securing one clean sheet in their last five matches, they have managed to maintain a resilient defensive stance overall. Here’s a detailed look at Monaco’s last five results:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Nice | Monaco | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Monaco | FK Crvena Zvezda | 5-1 (Win) |
| Monaco | Lille | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Rennes | Monaco | 1-2 (Win) |
| Dinamo Zagreb | Monaco | 2-2 (Draw) |
Monaco Key Players
Monaco, currently sitting 4th in the standings, have several key players who could make a significant impact in the upcoming match against Bologna.
Expected lineup for Monaco:
- Goalkeeper: Radoslaw Majecki
- Defenders: Vanderson, Wilfried Singo, Thilo Kehrer, Caio Henrique
- Midfielders: Lamine Camara, Soungoutou Magassa, Maghnes Akliouche, Takumi Minamino, Aleksandr Golovin
- Forward: Breel Embolo
Key players to watch:
- Maghnes Akliouche: Monaco’s top scorer with 2 goals. His ability to find space and create scoring opportunities makes him a constant threat.
- Takumi Minamino: Known for his versatility and vision on the field, he could be pivotal in breaking down Bologna’s defence.
- Breel Embolo: The forward’s strength and finishing ability will be crucial in converting chances into goals.
Expect individual battles, particularly between Monaco’s attackers and Bologna’s defensive line led by Jhon Lucumí. These matchups could be decisive in the game’s outcome.
Monaco Suspensions & Injuries
As Monaco prepares for their Champions League clash against Bologna, they face several injury challenges.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Mamadou Coulibaly | Cruciate ligament injury | Late January 2025 |
| Edan Diop | Foot injury | Early November 2024 |
| Folarin Balogun | Dislocated shoulder | Late November 2024 |
| Mohammed Salisu | Muscle injury | Few weeks |
Despite having no current suspensions, the injury list could impact Monaco’s squad depth and lineup flexibility. The absence of Folarin Balogun affects their attacking options, while defensive stability might be tested with Mohammed Salisu’s injury. This could compel the coach to rely heavily on the existing fit squad members to maintain their form in the competition.
Monaco Tactics and Formation
Monaco’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Forward Focus: Breel Embolo will lead the attack, aiming to exploit Bologna’s fragile defense.
- Midfield Creativity: Maghnes Akliouche and Aleksandr Golovin are pivotal for linking the play and driving forward.
- Defensive Setup: Thilo Kehrer and Caio Henrique provide stability at the back, though recent results show they can concede.
- Attacking Strategy: Monaco tends to press high and capitalize on turnovers, utilizing the pace and skill of Takumi Minamino and Vanderson.
With 9 goals scored in their recent matches, Monaco’s strategy is proactive, seeking to dominate possession and create frequent scoring opportunities. Their aggressive approach should make for an exciting contest.
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