Overview
AS Monaco are on a poor run of form since the start of 2025, failing to win in four consecutive matches. They lost the French Super Cup, were knocked out of the French Cup by Reims and have only picked up one point in Ligue 1.
These are alarming signs for Monaco before they return to the Champions League arena. Monaco still have to try very hard to maintain a position in the top 24 teams.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa are in relatively impressive form. Coach Unai Emery's team has just gone through 5 consecutive unbeaten matches in all competitions, including a dramatic 2-2 draw at Arsenal.
In the Champions League arena, Aston Villa even has 13 points after 6 matches and is completely capable of winning a direct ticket to the knockout round.
As for Monaco, although they are not in good form, they still have many factors that can create breakthroughs in the squad. Breel Embolo, Takumi Minamino or Eliesse Ben Seghir can all speak up at the right time. This will be a big challenge for Aston Villa's defense, the team has conceded 6 goals in the last 5 matches.
Aston Villa have the advantage in form. However, Monaco can also be confident playing at home at Stade Louis II, where they have only lost 3 matches in Ligue 1 and the Champions League this season. This will be a balanced match and is likely to end in a draw.
Monaco have lost to another Premier League side in the Champions League this season, a 3-0 defeat at Arsenal.
Human resources situation
Monaco will be without a quartet of injured players, including Denis Zakaria, Folarin Balogun, George Ilenikhena and Wilfried Singo.
On the other side of the front line, Amadou Onana is doubtful to play after picking up an injury against Arsenal. The Belgian midfielder could be taken to Aston Villa's medical room along with John McGinn, Pau Torres and Ross Barkley.
Expected lineup:
Monaco: Majecki, Teze, Kehrer, Salisu, Henrique, Magassa, Camara, Akliouche, Golovin, Ben Seghir, Embolo.
Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne, Kamara, Bogarde, Rogers, Tielemans, Ramsey, Duran.
The match between Monaco and Aston Villa takes place at 0:45 am on January 22 (Vietnam time).
