Monaco Set to Battle Man City: Key Matchups, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Manchester City resume their Champions League journey with a trip to Monaco on Wednesday evening, marking the first meeting between these sides since 2017.

That previous encounter saw a Monaco team featuring the elegant Radamel Falcao in his golden years, rising star Kylian Mbappé, and future City player Bernardo Silva stage a remarkable turnaround in the round of 16, overturning a 5–3 first-leg disadvantage with a commanding 3–1 home victory.

Pep Guardiola's squad showed weaknesses back then, and the French side has yet to face this Manchester City team operating at peak performance. The quality of his current squad remains to be tested, though they displayed clinical finishing over the weekend, demolishing Burnley 5–1.

Their European campaign began positively with a 2–0 triumph against ten-man Napoli a fortnight ago, while Monaco suffered a heavy 4–1 defeat to Club Brugge in Belgium.

Adi Hütter's team sits fourth in Ligue 1 following their recent loss to Lorient, and their European journey last season ended disappointingly in the knockout playoff stage despite an encouraging beginning.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of this Champions League encounter.

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Monaco vs. Man City Head-to-Head Record (All Games)

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Monaco Team News

Paul Pogba completed a heartfelt return to football through Monaco during the summer transfer window, though he remains unavailable for his debut appearance. Expectations suggest the talented French playmaker could feature following the upcoming international fixtures.

Monaco face multiple absences for City's arrival, notably missing promising midfielder Lamine Camara. Denis Zakaria, Aleksandr Golovin, and keeper Lukas Hradecky are also sidelined.

Nevertheless, Barcelona loan signing Ansu Fati has shown excellent form and could pose Monaco's primary offensive danger on Wednesday evening. Former Arsenal forwards Folarin Balogun and Mika Biereth might partner up front for the home side.

Monaco Predicted Lineup vs. Man City

Monaco predicted lineup vs. Man City (4-4-2): Köhn; Vanderson, Dier, Kehrer, Henrique; Akliouche, Coulibaly, Teze, Fati; Balogun, Biereth.

Man City Team News

Rodri withdrew from Saturday's victory against Burnley after experiencing "knee discomfort," as reported by Guardiola. Nevertheless, the Spanish playmaker participated in Tuesday's training session before City's departure to Monaco and remains under consideration.

Rayan Cherki was expected to potentially return for the midweek fixture, but he hasn't been named in City's traveling party.

Mateo Kovačić has returned to availability, though the away team continues without Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Rayan Aït-Nouri.

Erling Haaland overcame a slight back issue to complete the full match at the weekend, and the Norwegian striker will feature in Guardiola's starting eleven on Wednesday evening.

Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Monaco

Man City predicted lineup vs. Monaco (4-1-4-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly; Nico; Bobb, Bernardo, Foden, Doku; Haaland.

Monaco vs. Man City Score Prediction

Both teams have enjoyed reasonably positive campaign starts, yet they approach this match in vastly different spirits. While City gradually overwhelmed Burnley in their comprehensive victory, Monaco fell to Lorient after Thilo Kehrer received a first-half red card.

Hütter's teams characteristically display energy, pace, and directness. Despite injury concerns, Monaco possess players suited to their manager's tactical approach, and finding the net has seldom troubled them early this season.

Nevertheless, City face a vulnerable defensive unit on Wednesday, and missing the tenacious Camara alongside leader Zakaria could prove crucial. The visitors appear set to control the central areas and establish a platform for tactical dominance. Therefore, Guardiola's team looks well-positioned to secure maximum points from their Monaco visit.

Prediction: Monaco 1–3 Man City