UEFA Champions League
AS Monaco vs Atletico de Madrid Preview
Stade Louis II, Monaco – Atletico de Madrid open their Champions League campaign against the Ligue 1 side in an exciting Group A fixture.
Diego Simeone is seeking to exorcise Atletico’s Champions League demons this season and finally lift the famous trophy.
Monaco have endured a tough start to life in Ligue 1, sitting 15th on 5 points after just one win in their first five matches.
Like their counterparts, Atletico de Madrid have one win in the league and just five points, although after only four fixtures this leaves them in a more creditable 8th position in La Liga.
Previous Encounters:
This marks the first ever competitive meeting between Atletico de Madrid and AS Monaco.
AS Monaco have a moderate record against Spanish sides – 8 wins, 4 draws and 8 losses from 20.
Whereas Atleti’s record against French oppositions is a strong one – 7 wins, 5 draws and 1 draw from 12.
Team News:
Monaco continue have a long absentee list, with Croatia international and World Cup hero Danijel Subasic is still sidelined with a muscle injury and missed their first opening five fixtures.
Russia star Aleksandr Golovin is still out after ankle trouble, while Rony Lopes, Stevan Jovetic, Willem Geubbels and Pietro Pellegri are also sidelined from the attacking sector.
Meanwhile for the visitors’, French defender Lucas Hernandez is struggling with a gastric problem and may not feature against Monaco but he has been named in the squad.
Croatia international Nikola Kalinic is sporting an ankle injury, while Vitolo has a knee problem and Santiago Arias has a fractured rib. Stefan Savic is absent with a calf problem.
Predicted Lineups:
Monaco (4-2-3-1): Benaglio; Sidibe, Jemerson, Glik, Henrichs; Aholou, Ait Bennasser; Mboula, Tielemans, Chadli; Falcao.
Atletico de Madrid (4-4-2): Oblak; Juanfran, Godin, Gimenez, Flilipe Luis; Lemar, Niguez, Rodri, Koke; Griezmann, Costa.
Match Prediction:
This should be the match where Atletico de Madrid regain their scoring touch. There have been cases of Spanish teams having absolute polarizing levels of form in domestic and European competitions.
Simeone does not have any of his key attackers out for the tie and this should result in some freedom in the final third.
As far as Monaco are concerned, their defensive woes are likely to continue. But, Falcao’s return should aid their attack. Atleti however, are likely to edge out Monaco in what will be a goals galore.
Prediction: Monaco 2-4 Atletico Madrid
Photo credit to Donald Trump via Flickr
