AS Monaco vs FC Barcelona Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Champions League, September 19, 2024

AS Monaco vs FC Barcelona Preview

• Tournament: UEFA Champions League
• Date: Thursday, September 19, 2024
• Time: 07:00 pm GMT
• Venue: Stade Louis II, Monaco.

It will not be the first time that AS Monaco and FC Barcelona meet this season. Just a month back, the sides locked horns in the Joan Gamper Trophy, where the French league runners-up beat Barca to clinch the trophy.

The stakes are very different for the upcoming game. Both sides will face each other for the first-time since 1994, at the coveted UEFA Champions League. It’s the 2024-25 season campaign opener for the talked about clubs as they are setting sights at the Stade Louis II.

Hosts AS Monaco and FC Barcelona are enjoying top-form. The French side has faced just one goal in the ongoing Ligue 1 so far, while FC Barcelona are having an all-win run in the La Liga. The clubs will aim to continue their good form in the UCL too.

AS Monaco Team News

Head coach Adi Hütter shall not risk changing his in-form lineup which is running good in the Ligue 1. Also, the squad is free from injury concerns or suspensions, except two- midfielder Edan Diop and first-choice goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki.

FC Barcelona Team News

The number of injured players in the FC Barcelona squad is increasing after almost every other game. New signing Dani Olmo is now out for almost a month, joining the list of Ansu Fati, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Fermin Lopez, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen and Marc Bernal.

AS Monaco vs FC Barcelona Predicted Lineups

AS Monaco predicted lineup:

Goalkeeper: Kohn

Defenders: Vanderson, Salisu, Kehrer, Henrique

Midfielders: Kamara, Zakaria; Akliouche, Golovin, Ben Seghir

Attackers: Embolo

FC Barcelona predicted lineup:

Goalkeeper: Ter Stegen

Defenders: Koundé, Cubarsí, Martínez, Balde

Midfielders: Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Torres, Raphinha

Attackers: Lewandowski

AS Monaco vs FC Barcelona H2H Record

AS Monaco and FC Barcelona have only played in three matches against each other. FC Barcelona have won in two instances, both were Champions League games, while AS Monaco won only one, which was a friendly.

Key Players to watch in AS Monaco vs FC Barcelona

Breel Embolo

The 27-year-old Swiss striker hasn’t yet contributed a goal this season, in the marvelous wins of AS Monaco. He has been trusted by the coach and his mates in every occasion but is yet to score.

Finding his first goal will bolster his confidence, and earning it against Barca will shoot his morale to the highest stage. The task will be tough for Embolo, but cracking Barca’s defense is possible.

Ferran Torres

With Dani Olmo injured, it’s another chance for the Spanish playmaker to prove his worth. The 24-year-old Spaniard has widely been used as a substitute, ever since the successful registration of Olmo.

He did score a goal and provide an assist so far, but his mistakes of not keeping shots-on-target has been the only weak-link of Barcelona attack. With him striking in the correct moments, Barca’s ship will sail fast.

AS Monaco vs FC Barcelona Prediction

FC Barcelona are possibly playing the best brand of football in the past few years under new head coach Hansi Flick. The team is pressing high, creating multiple chances and acting as an invincible force. So, the Cules are expected to have an easy win.

However, AS Monaco are also having a good form, and have emerged as a tough challenge for the big clubs. We will surely expect a fight from hosts AS Monaco.

Predicted Score: AS Monaco 3-4 FC Barcelona (Watch Live)

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