Monaco vs PSG Preview: Team News, Predicted Lineups and Score Prediction
The final Ligue 1 fixture of 2024 sees third-placed Monaco host league leaders PSG on Wednesday, December 18th at 20:00 UTC. This match at the Stade Louis II promises to be a fascinating encounter as both sides look to end the year on a high.
Monaco vs PSG Form
PSG are currently dominating Ligue 1, sitting comfortably at the top of the table, while Monaco are in third place. The Parisians are in imperious form, remaining undefeated in their last 17 league matches, while Monaco have had a more mixed bag of results recently. In their last six matches, the home side have won three, drawn two and lost one, while their opponents have won four and drawn two.
Recent history between these two sides is evenly split with both teams winning twice and drawing twice in their last six encounters. The most recent match between the sides ended in a goalless draw, but in the game before that PSG won 5-2.
Monaco vs PSG Predicted Lineups and Team News
Monaco will likely line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with P. Köhn in goal. The defence will consist of C. Henrique, T. Kehrer, W. Singo and Vanderson. L. Camara and S. Magassa will sit in front of the defence, with E. B. Seghir, T. Minamino, and M. Akliouche supporting B. Embolo up front.
The home side have a number of injury concerns with Diop, Balogun, Diatta, Zakaria, and Majecki all sidelined. Teze is also suspended, which will likely see Vanderson start at right-back.
PSG are expected to play in a 4-3-3 formation with G. Donnarumma between the sticks. The defence will be made up of N. Mendes, W. Pacho, Marquinhos and A. Hakimi. J. Neves, Vitinha, and W. Zaïre-Emery will patrol the midfield, with B. Barcola, G. Ramos, and O. Dembélé leading the attack.
Kimpembe is unavailable for the away side due to injury. Luis Enrique may make changes to the side, with Marquinhos, Goncalo Ramos, and Bradley Barcola among those potentially coming into the starting XI.
Monaco vs PSG Tactical Analysis
Monaco's strengths lie in their counter-attacking abilities, creating chances through individual skill, and their prowess in aerial duels. They tend to attack through the middle, using short passes and attempting through balls. However, they struggle with avoiding offsides, individual errors, and defending against long shots.
PSG, on the other hand, excel at attacking down the wings, creating chances through balls, individual skill, and finishing opportunities. They favour a possession-based game, controlling the match in the opposition's half, and using short passes. Their weaknesses include avoiding offsides, aerial duels, and defending against long shots.
This match could see a clash of styles, with Monaco's counter-attacking approach tested by PSG's possession-based dominance. Monaco's ability to win aerial duels could pose a threat to PSG's defence, while PSG's ability to create long shot opportunities could exploit Monaco's weakness in defending them.
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Monaco vs PSG Key Battle: Takumi Minamino vs Vitinha
A key battle in this game will be between Monaco's attacking midfielder Takumi Minamino and PSG's defensive midfielder Vitinha. Minamino's creativity and ability to create chances will be crucial for Monaco as they attempt to unlock the PSG defence. Vitinha's role will be to disrupt Monaco's attacks, break up play in the midfield, and protect the PSG backline. The winner of this battle could have a significant impact on the outcome of the game.
Monaco vs PSG Score Prediction
Given PSG's superior form and their dominance in the league, they are the favourites to win this match. Their ability to create and finish scoring opportunities, combined with their strong possession game, should allow them to overcome Monaco. While Monaco have the tools to trouble PSG, their injury problems and inconsistencies may prove to be too much to overcome. Therefore, a narrow victory for PSG is the most likely outcome.