Aston Villa will be looking to maintain their unbeaten run to start 2025 when they face Monaco in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.
The Villans are coming off a dramatic 2-2 draw with Arsenal, in which they fought back from a two-goal deficit to spoil the Gunners’ hopes of closing in on the Premier League title.
On the other hand, Monaco enters this match after suffering a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Montpellier in Ligue 1 on Friday, a result that will likely have left them eager to bounce back in Europe.
As the two sides prepare to face off, here’s everything you need to know about their team news, injury updates, and predicted lineups ahead of the big match.
Monaco Team News:
Monaco head into this game with a few key absences. They will be without striker Folarin Balogun, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, and winger George Ilenikhena, who has an adductor issue.
Additionally, Krepin Diatta, another attacking option for the French club, is sidelined due to a muscle problem.
In terms of players who may still feature, there are doubts surrounding Wilfried Singo, who has been struggling with a back issue, and Dennis Zakaria, who is dealing with an illness.
Despite these concerns, Monaco will still look to field a competitive side. The predicted lineup sees goalkeeper Kamil Majecki starting between the posts.
In defense, a back four of Henrique, Salisu, Kehrer, and Vanderson is expected to take shape.
The midfield should feature Camara, Magassa, and Akliouche, while the attacking trio of Golovin, Ben Seghir, and Embolo will likely be tasked with breaking down Villa’s defense and creating chances in the final third.
Aston Villa Team News:
For Aston Villa, they will be without several key players for the match.
Defender Diego Carlos is still serving a suspension, while Ross Barkley will miss out due to a calf injury. Pau Torres is also unavailable after picking up an ankle injury.
Villa’s injury list doesn’t end there, as both Amadou Onana and John McGinn are considered doubtful for the match due to hamstring and thigh issues, respectively.
While Onana and McGinn are not completely ruled out, their involvement will depend on how they recover in the days leading up to the game.
Despite these absences, Aston Villa has plenty of depth and quality to call upon.
The predicted lineup sees Emiliano Martinez continuing in goal, with a back four consisting of Lucas Digne, Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa, and Matty Cash.
In midfield, Boubacar Kamara, Jacob Ramsey, and youngster Tim Iroegbunam are expected to feature, while Youri Tielemans, Leon Bailey, and Ollie Watkins will provide the attacking threat for the team.
Both teams have injury concerns heading into this Champions League encounter, but each side possesses enough quality to produce a thrilling and competitive match.
Aston Villa will be hoping to continue their strong form in 2025, while Monaco will be looking to recover from their recent Ligue 1 setback and put in a strong performance on the European stage.
This clash is sure to be an exciting one as both sides battle for crucial points in Group F.
Monaco Predicted XI:
Majecki, Henrique, Salisu, Kehrer, Vanderson, Camara, Magassa, Akliouche, Golovin, Ben Seghir, Embolo
Aston Villa Predicted XI:
Martinez; Digne, Mings, Konsa, Cash; Kamara, Ramsey, Rogers, Tielemans, Bailey; Watkins
