Key occasions
Monaco type information: Fourth in Ligue1, 15 factors behind leaders PSG, Monaco are managed by the Austrian Adi Hutter and are available into this sport having gained simply two of their final 11 video games in all competitions. The newest of these victories got here within the French Cup in opposition to Union Saint-Jean, a French regional aspect. Extra lately, on Friday to be precise, Hutter’s aspect had been crushed by Montpelier, who’re at present rock-bottom of the French high flight.
Their outcomes on this season’s Champions League have been blended, with Hutter masterminding victories over Barcelona, Pink Star and Bologna, whereas watching his group lose their two most up-to-date video games in opposition to Benfica and Arsenal. Within the second sport of their marketing campaign, away at Dinamo Zagreb, Monaco secured their solely draw to date. Of the 4 Ligue1 groups within the Champions League, Monaco (sixteenth) are behind Brest (seventh) and Lille (eighth) however forward of PSG (twenty fifth).
Early group information
Villa midfielder John McGinn is again in coaching after recovering from a thigh damage however is unlikely to function on this match. Amadou Onana, who pulled up with a hamstring damage throughout Villa’s draw at Arsenal on Saturday can be more likely to miss out. Ross Barkley and Pau Torres are additionally sidelined, whereas Diego Carlos is suspended. New signing Donyell Malen is cup-tied till the knockout phases, having already performed 5 group video games on this season’s competitors for Borussia Dortmund.
Whereas Lamare Bogarde impressed after changing Onana in opposition to Arsenal, he might must accept a spot on the bench once more if Emery decides to play Youri Tielemans in a extra withdrawn function and produce Leon Bailey into the aspect.
Monaco have damage issues of their very own, with Nigerian striker George Ilenikhena and former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun each on account of miss out by damage. Senegalese winger Krepin Diatta can be out, whereas the participation of defenders Wilfried Singo and Denis Zakaria can be doubtful.
Champions League: Monaco v Aston Villa
The Stade Louis II is the venue for this encounter between Monaco and Aston Villa within the penultimate spherical of group video games of this season’s all-singing, all-dancing new Champions League format.
It’s the primary ever aggressive match between these two sides and a win for Villa, at present in fifth place within the 36-team desk, would go a good distance in the direction of reserving their place among the many eight groups who qualify robotically for the final 16.
Defeat for Unai Emery’s aspect would transfer Monaco, at present in sixteenth place, stage on factors with Villa and tremendously improve their possibilities of reserving a spot within the high eight with only one extra group match away at Inter to go. A draw may very well be ok for Monaco to ensure their place within the knockout phases, if not the Spherical of 16. There’s a lot at stake on the French Riviera this night, the place kick-off is at 5.45pm (GMT).
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