Vietnam
Thailand
France Ligue 1 - Monaco VS Paris Saint Germain (PSG) Prediciton
France Ligue 1 - Monaco VS Paris Saint Germain (PSG)
Match Time:19-12-2024 04:00 Thursday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
-----------------------------------
AS Monaco
Monaco will welcome Vanderson back into the starting XI at right-back after he served a suspension. However, the principality club will now be without defender Jordan Teze, who is ruled out due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
In attack, Folarin Balogun is unlikely to feature after suffering a recurrence of his shoulder injury, which has plagued him in recent weeks. Meanwhile, striker Breel Embolo was dropped from the starting XI against Reims last weekend as Adi Hutter experimented with a five-at-the-back system, handing Kassoum Ouattara a rare start.
Following their inability to break down Reims, Hutter is expected to revert to his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, which has been more successful for AS Monaco this season.
In goal, Radoslaw Majecki will start as the first-choice goalkeeper. The defensive line will feature Vanderson at right-back, with Thilo Kehrer and Wilfried Singo forming the central defensive pairing. On the left, Caio Henrique will provide defensive cover and attacking width when pushing forward.
In midfield, the double pivot will consist of Soungoutou Magassa and Lamine Camara, who will focus on breaking up PSG’s attacks and distributing the ball efficiently. The attacking trio supporting the lone striker will include Maghnes Akliouche on the right wing, Aleksandr Golovin as the central playmaker, and Eliesse Ben Seghir on the left wing.
Their creativity and movement will be crucial in unlocking PSG’s defence. Leading the line will be Breel Embolo, who is expected to return to the starting XI, offering physical presence and a goal threat in the final third.
PSG
Paris Saint-Germain will travel to Monaco with a fully-fit squad, barring Presnel Kimpembe, whose continued absence remains a tactical decision by Luis Enrique rather than an injury concern. Both Lucas Hernandez and youngster Senny Mayulu made their returns from recent setbacks last week, providing additional depth for the visitors.
There were notable tactical changes against Lyon, with Marquinhos being rested in favour of Lucas Beraldo, likely to keep him fresh for this encounter. Meanwhile, Randal Kolo Muani was left out of the squad entirely and is reportedly set to move on in the January transfer window amid his links with Premier League clubs.
The spotlight will once again be on Desire Doue, who impressed against Lyon with a standout display. Doue set up the opening goal and won the penalty for PSG’s second, earning him another opportunity to shine in a key attacking role.
Luis Enrique is expected to field PSG in their familiar 4-3-3 setup, focusing on control in midfield and dynamic attacking play. Gianluigi Donnarumma will start in goal, maintaining his place as the Parisians’ reliable shot-stopper. The backline will feature Achraf Hakimi at right-back, with captain Marquinhos partnering William Pacho at the heart of the defence. On the left, Nuno Mendes will add attacking width and defensive cover.
In midfield, Warren Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz will provide balance, combining energy, creativity, and ball control. Zaire-Emery will take on the box-to-box role, while Vitinha and Ruiz will focus on linking play between defence and attack.
The attacking trio will see Lee Kang-in deployed on the left wing, with Ousmane Dembele on the right, bringing pace and flair to PSG’s wide areas. Desire Doue will operate as the central forward, tasked with driving into the box and linking up play, following his influential performance against Lyon.
Monaco possible starting lineup:
Majecki; Vanderson, Kehrer, Singo, Caio Henrique; Magassa, Camara; Akliouche, Golovin, Ben Seghir; Embolo
Paris Saint-Germain possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Lee, Dembele, Doue
Monaco vs Paris St. Germain Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
Surprisingly, recent results between Monaco and Paris St. Germain have been mixed, with two wins for Monaco, two wins for PSG and two draws. The last time these sides faced was in March, with the game ending 0-0. At home, Monaco are unbeaten in three against the reigning champions.
Monaco's game this weekend saw them draw with Reims 0-0, meaning they missed the chance to jump above Marseille into 2nd place. The game was only the third time they've failed to score this season.
Paris St. Germain, meanwhile, got back to their winning ways by brushing aside Lyon 3-1. This game was PSG's first win since November 22 after a pair of disappointing draws with Auxerre and Nantes.
Both of these sides are currently competing in the UEFA Champions League and surprisingly, Monaco have done better thus far. Despite losing their last two European games, they are in 16th place. PSG, meanwhile, are in 25th after winning just two of their six games, and could even miss out on the knockout stage.
PSG's young winger Bradley Barcola currently has ten goals and two assists to his name in Ligue 1 this season, but he hasn't contributed to a goal now since a brace against Angers back on November 9.
Prediciton: Monaco 1-1 Paris Saint-Germain
With Monaco having the chance to close the gap on PSG to four points, this is a blockbuster fixture to finish 2024 in Ligue 1. It could be a cagey clash though, like the meeting here back in March, with PSG seeking to seal an entire calendar year unbeaten away from home in the league.
The Most Popular
-
Fiorentina vs Inter Milan: Tight Serie A Battle Expected in Florence -
Newcastle vs Sunderland: Fierce Derby Clash with a Clear Edge for the Magpies -
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Betis: Tight LaLiga Showdown at San Mamés -
Aston Villa vs West Ham: Tight Clash Predicted at Villa Park -
Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest: Tight Clash Expected at the Lane -
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano: Camp Nou Clash Favors the Home Side
Telegram
Facebook
X