Aston Villa have now won any of their four previous away games against French opposition, while Monaco have won their last two meetings with English sides at Stade Louis II.
Monaco vs Aston Villa Preview
Can Aston Villa book their place in the Champions League round of 16? Last time out in Europe, the Villans beat RB Leipzig 3-2 on the road, leading through both John McGinn and then Jhon Durán's rocket at Red Bull Arena, before Ross Barkley's late deflected shot snatched victory, sparking wild scenes of celebration.
This takes the Claret and Blue Army's tally to 13 points in the Champions League, losing only once so far, meaning they kick off fifth in the gigantic league table, knowing a victory in the Principality could see them rubber stamp their spot in the last 16, ahead of Celtic's visit to Villa Park next Wednesday. At the weekend meantime, Unai Emery's team fought back from 2-0 down to earn a credible 2-2 draw with Arsenal; Youri Tielemans and then Ollie Watkins on target in North London. Thus, with their side unbeaten in five, the 1,000 Villans lucky enough to be making the trip to the French Riviera will do so confident of witnessing a victory.
Monaco meantime made a near-perfect start to this Champions League campaign, collecting ten points from their first four fixtures, most-notably beating Barcelona at home in September. However, more recently, Adi Hütter's team have suffered back-to-back defeats in Europe, beaten 3-2 by Benfica at home and then 3-0 by Arsenal last month, results that have seen les Monégasques spiral down to 16th. Thus, they still require a point or two either here, or away to Inter Milan next week, to be sure of qualification, which is far from guaranteed.
Along similar lines, les Rouge et Blanc were very much involved in the Ligue 1 title race until recently, failing to win any of their last four, most-recently beaten 2-1 by Montpellier on Friday night, despite leading through Thilo Kehrer at Stade de la Mosson. In general, it's been a nightmare month, having now slipped down to fourth in Ligue 1, also beaten by Paris Saint-Germain in the Trophée des Champions, before being dumped out the Coupe de France by Reims on penalties last Tuesday. Thus, Aston Villa have to be favourites for victory at Stade Louis II.
Monaco vs Aston Villa Head-to-Head Record
These two clubs have never previously met.
Monaco Team News
Folarin Balogun and George Ilenikhena are injured while Mika Biereth, who's just arrived from Sturm Graz for €13 million, isn't yet eligible to feature in UEFA competition, meaning Breel Embolo will lead the attack. Meantime, defenders Christian Mawissa and Wilfried Singo both missed last month's trip to Arsenal suspended, but the duo can both return; Thilo Kehrer, Lamine Camara and Singo would all miss next Wednesday's visit to San Siro if cautioned.
Monaco predicted lineup vs Aston Villa: (4-2-3-1): Majecki; Vanderson, Kehrer, Salisu, Caio Henrique; Camara, Magassa, Akliouche, Minamino, Ben Seghir; Embolo.
Monaco Player to Watch vs Aston Villa
Eliesse Ben Seghir has seven goals to his name this season, on target during Monaco's most-recent Champions League home game against Benfica, so can he add to his tally?
Aston Villa Team News
Diego Carlos is suspended, having accumulated three yellow cards, albeit this matters not, considering he's sidelined due to a foot injury. Pau Torres, Ross Barkley and John McGinn are also out, while Amadou Onana is a doubt, having been taken off in the first half on Saturday. This leaves Unai Emery short of midfield options; Lamare Bogarde came on for Onana against Arsenal but, if Emery is feeling attacking, either Emi Buendía or Leon Bailey could come in. Donyell Malen's wait for his debut will go on, as he's not yet registered for the Champions League, while Jhon Durán came off the bench at the weekend, his first appearance since being sent off on Boxing Day, but Ollie Watkins is once again expected to lead the line from the start. The Colombian striker will sit out the matchday eight clash with Celtic if cautioned.
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Monaco: (4-2-3-1): Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans, Ramsey, Bailey, Rogers; Watkins.
Aston Villa Player to Watch vs Monaco
Ollie Watkins has scored against both Everton and Arsenal in the last week, taking his tally to ten Premier League goals for the campaign, so can he open his Champions League account?
Monaco vs Aston Villa Prediction
As alluded to earlier, we're backing Aston Villa for victory. Emery's team have rediscovered their form of late, while Monaco are in free-fall, so an away win appears likely: Monaco 1-2 Aston Villa.
Monaco vs Aston Villa FAQs - Champions League
How to watch Monaco vs Aston Villa Champions League game on TV channel?
Monaco vs Aston Villa Champions League game will be available on the following TV channels:
- UK: TNT Sports 1
- USA: Paramount+ & ViX.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Monaco vs Aston Villa Champions League game on live streaming?
Monaco vs Aston Villa 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 Monaco vs Aston Villa in the Champions League?
Monaco vs Aston Villa takes place on Tuesday 21 January 2025, with kick off at 17:45 (GMT), 12:45 (EDT) & 9:45 (PST).