Prediction: Monaco vs Benfica – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Two camps who will be looking to claim a Champions League first-leg advantage on Wednesday night, Monaco will welcome Benfica to the Stade Louis II.
Monaco
Starting with the hosts, while Monaco might have sprung a Champions League upset last month as they clinched a 1-0 victory at home against Aston Villa, Adi Hutter’s side have failed to find any kind of recent stability. Despite opening February with an action-packed 4-2 win against Auxerre, the former Eintracht Frankfurt boss saw his camp come crashing back down to earth last week. Eventually hit with a 4-1 drumming at the hands of domestic rivals PSG, Monaco have won just a trio of their previous nine appearances across all competitions. However, knowing the importance of claiming a first-leg advantage here, Wednesday’s hosts will be excited by their success at the Stade Louis II. Along with winning each of their previous three home fixtures across all competitions by an aggregate score of 8-4, Hutter’s men have also registered 12 points from their last five showdowns in front of their own supporters.
Monaco Team News
Not making a single appearance since December 1st, Monaco will once again be without former Arsenal starlet Folarin Balogun on Wednesday night. Likewise, still dealing with respective injury issues, the duo of Wilfried Singo and George Ilenikhena remain on the sidelines.
While Swiss marksman Breel Embolo might have recorded just a single strike from any of his previous nine appearances across all competitions, the 27-year-old will lead Hutter’s attack. Former West Ham star Thilo Kehrer will be partnered alongside Christian Mawissa Elebi at the heart of Monaco’s defence.
Benfica
As for the visitors, while Benfica might have suffered an infamous Champions League collapse last month as they fell to a 5-4 defeat at home against Barcelona, the Eagles have come roaring back over the past fortnight. Now securing consecutive 3-2 victories against Moreirense and Estrela, Bruno Lage’s men have continued to shine with their recent success outside of Lisbon. Springing a real Champions League upset on January 29th as they claimed a 2-0 win away at Italian giants Juventus, the former Wolves boss has seen his squad win four of their previous five showdowns away from the Estadio da Luz. Likewise, suffering just a pair of defeats outside of Lisbon since returning from November’s international break, Benfica will also be excited by their most recent trip to Wednesday’s hosts. Landing a sensational 3-2 win when they travelled to the Stade Louis II for a group stage battle on November 27th, Lage’s side will be seeking a repeat performance.
Benfica Team News
Once again missing out against Moreirense over the weekend, former Bayern Munich midfielder Renato Sanches will not feature here. Despite missing out in Lisbon on Saturday evening, ex-Real Madrid superstar Angel Di Maria should make a full return.
Bagging a famous Champions League hat-trick against Barcelona last month and now notching seven goals in his previous five appearances across all competitions, the red-hot Vangelis Pavlidis will have a leading role to play here. Former Manchester City ace Nicolas Otamendi will start at the heart of Benfica’s defence.
Monaco vs Benfica Key Factors to Consider
- When Monaco and Benfica met for a group stage showdown on November 27th, the Eagles collected an action-packed 3-2 victory at the Stade Louis II.
- In fact, Benfica have collected seven points from their three historic Champions League meetings against Wednesday’s hosts.
- Monaco have won their last three showdowns at the Stade Louis II by an aggregate score of 8-4.
- Greek international Vangelis Pavlidis has recorded seven goals in his previous five appearances across all competitions.
- Four of Benfica’s last five appearances across all formats has seen both teams get on the scoresheet.
Conclusion
Watching Benfica claim a dramatic 3-2 victory when they travelled to the Stade Louis II for a group stage showdown on November 27th, neutrals will be hoping for another action-packed affair here. With Monaco winning their last three showdowns on home soil by an aggregate score of 8-4, we could be treated to an enjoyable contest. Likewise, with Benfica seeing four of their previous five appearances finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome in midweek.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Dachbet