Arsenal have won each of their last three home games against French opposition, scoring 11 goals and conceding none, losing only one of the last 11 home matches against Ligue 1 sides. The only such team to defeat them since 1998? Monaco! What's French for déjà vu?
Arsenal vs Monaco Preview
Will Arsenal remain on track for a top eight finish in the Champions League? Last time out in Europe, the Gunners took a gigantic step towards the last 16 by hammering Sporting CP 5-1 in Lisbon, with Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard all scoring on a memorable night at Estádio José Alvalade. As a result, Mikel Arteta's team now have ten points on the board, having won both home matches so far, seeing off Paris Saint-Germain and then Shakhtar Donetsk, keeping a clean sheet in both.
Thus, if the Gunners win both here and then when GNK Dinamo Zagreb visit North London next month, they could have a top eight spot rubber stamped, prior to their final matchday trip to Girona. Arteta's team need to get back on track, having seen their three-match winning streak come to an end on Sunday, held to an underwhelming 1-1 draw by Fulham; William Saliba equalising at Craven Cottage, before Saka thought he'd snatched victory at the death, only for the goal to be disallowed by VAR. Thus, Arsenal are under pressure to claim all three points this time.
Monaco meantime also have ten points on the board, thereby occupying the final guaranteed round of 16 spot, underlining that they cannot be taken lightly. Les Monégasques' most-notably result so far came back in September, defeating Barcelona 2-1 at Stade Louis II, and they remained unbeaten until a fortnight ago, disappointedly defeated 3-2 by Benfica in the Principality, conceding twice in the final six minutes.
Meantime, in Ligue 1, Adi Hütter's team are currently third, five points adrift perennial champions PSG, claiming a third victory in four on Saturday, with goals from Wilfried Singo and Breel Embolo downing Toulouse. Monaco, infamously from an Arsenal point of view, knocked the Gunners out of the Champions League in 2015, leaving North London 3-1 winners during their sole previous visit, so will les Rouge et Blanc have another statement victory to enjoy?
Arsenal vs Monaco Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 2.
- Arsenal Wins: 1. Draws: 0. Monaco Wins: 1.
Arsenal Team News
Benjamin White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are sidelined long-term, while Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko all missed Sunday's visit to Craven Cottage, leaving Mikel Arteta very short of defensive options. There is optimism that Gabreil will be available, given that it's now 11-days since he suffered a suspected concussion at West Ham, meaning the Brazilian should be able to return. With Thomas Partey filling-in at right-back against Fulham, Jorginho partnered Declan Rice at the base of midfield, while Mikel Merino is yet to nail down a regular starting spot since his arrival. In attack, Gabriel Martinelli will return in place of Leandro Trossard, while the rest of the forward-line will have a familiar feel about it.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Monaco: (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Rice, Jorginho, Ødegaard; Saka, Martinelli, Havertz.
Arsenal Player to Watch vs Monaco
David Raya has kept a clean sheet in six of his seven Champions League home appearances, Bayern Munich the only side to score past him in this tournament at the Emirates, so will he enjoy another shut-out here?
Monaco Team News
Centre-back Wilfried Singo is suspended, having been sent off during the defeat to Benfica, while Christian Mawissa is also banned, having collected his third yellow card of the league phase in that game, which isn't ideal considering he's also a central defender. Thus, it's likely to be Thilo Kehrer, once of West Ham, alongside Mohammed Salisu, formally of Southampton, at the heart of Monaco's defence. Elsewhere, Folarin Balogun, who joined Arsenal at the age of seven, before departing 15 years later, will be denied a reunion with his former club due to a shoulder injury; Edan Diop and Krépin Diatta are also in the treatment room. Kehrer and Lamine Camara would both sit out January's clash with Aston Villa if booked.
Monaco predicted lineup vs Arsenal: (4-2-3-1): Majecki; Vanderson, Kehrer, Salisu, Caio Henrique; Camara, Zakaria, Akliouche, Minamino, Golovin; Embolo.
Monaco Player to Watch vs Arsenal
Takumi Minamino twice scored against Arsenal during his time with Liverpool, so will he repeat that feat in North London?
Arsenal vs Monaco Prediction
We are backing Arsenal to claim a routine victory. The Gunners have won all five group stage/league phase home games under Mikel Arteta, all without conceding, a sequence we're expecting to continue, even if a flury of goals seems unlikely: Arsenal 2-0 Monaco.
Arsenal vs Monaco FAQs - Champions League
How to watch Arsenal vs Monaco Champions League game on TV channel?
Arsenal vs Monaco Champions League game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: TNT Sports 1 & Ultimate
- USA: Paramount+ & ViX
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Arsenal vs Monaco Champions League game on live streaming?
Arsenal vs Monaco Champions League game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Discovery+
- USA: Paramount+ & ViX
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Arsenal vs Monaco in the Champions League?
Arsenal vs Monaco takes place on Wednesday 11 December 2024, with kick off at 20:00 (GMT), 15:00 (EDT) & 12:00 (PST).